#and then he gets asked 1 question and crumbles and gets so... small

[offthewall1979]

i have that whole 1983 ebony interview locked and loaded just waiting to be posted. but am EYE ready.... i feel crazy about that interview. watching him fall apart less than a minute in...

[solelifauna]

Yandere Batfam & Neglected Reader Prt.1

When your late mother had a one-night stand with Gotham's richest man, you find yourself at odds and cast aside by your father and his wayward family. Yet, it's only when you find peace that it all comes crumbling down.

TW: Neglect, injury, violence, death

(Y'all, it gets worse in the next post)

To be adopted by Bruce Wayne was akin to a golden ticket; rare but life-changing. You had been one of those (un)lucky souls who just happened to catch the infamous Bruce Wayne's attention, but not how you’d typically expect. You see, you weren't just some random kid, no, you were the byproduct of a one-night stand between your mother and Brucie Wayne. Of course, you obviously didn't know, and your mother was more than content in keeping who your father was a secret. So for the first 11 years of your life, you lived in ignorance of who your father was. Not that it really bothered you; your mother’s love was more than enough, and as long as you had her you knew you’d be fine. 

Then of course, tragedy struck. Your mother was caught in the crossfire between two rival gangs, a stray bullet lodging itself in the side of her head. You don't know how long you spent crying, cradling her dead body, willing her to come back to life. It wasn’t until police and paramedics had to pull you off your mother, that you realized the gravity of your situation. Without your mother and no father, you’d no doubt be sent into one of Gotham City's many orphanages left to be trafficked and killed. Running away seemed like the best option until a positive paternal DNA match came in for one Bruce Wayne. To say you were dumbstruck is an understatement. Bruce Wayne was your father? The man known for adopting children and loving them as his own was your father? You were both relieved and delighted. You didn't know Bruce Wayne personally, but just seeing the way he treated his other children gave you hope, hope that you could heal with this man and finally know your father.

So when child services dropped you at the manor, a small suitcase in tow and a shy, nervous smile on your face only to be met with poorly hidden annoyance and contempt; to say you were heartbroken would be a disservice to yourself. It was easy to discern that your presence was not welcome and considered a hindrance. Bruce spoke to you disconnectedly, offering a quick apology on the loss of your mother before handing you off to the family butler, Alfred. At least Alfred had the decency to apologize on your father’s behalf, taking his time to talk to you and show you around the manor. You liked Alfred, he seemed kind. It wasn't long until you both ran into one of your other siblings, the eldest brother, Richard or Dick Grayson. He seemed the kindest out of the bunch on tv, so you were hopeful he'd have a different reaction compared to your father. 

Disappointment was your friend once more when Dick gave you a strained smile and conversed with you with fake interest. He left as soon as the opportunity arose. Your other siblings were no different; Jason was rarely ever at the manor and when he was, he certainly didn't bother even acknowledging you (not that you minded, he was scary when he was mad). Tim couldn't care less about your presence, finding annoyance when you’d go up to him and try to converse.

Cass or Cassandra talked to you here and there, never unkind, but you knew you were just an afterthought for her; Stephanie on the other hand initially interacted with you, asking you questions and occasionally sitting and talking to you. It was soon that you realized she was just bored and you were the newest “thing” in the manor. Her interest wore off a week later, her interactions with you now short and dry.

The family as a whole just seemed to disregard you and often stilted their conversation around you. You’d notice the dining room would be filled with laughter and loud talking until you'd walk in; silence would overtake the once lively place as everyone switched to hushed conversations. It’s as if everyone but you knew something you didn't, a big inside secret that bonded everyone together. It wasn’t until you accidentally discovered that Bruce Wayne was Batman and that the rest of your siblings had vigilante alter egos that everything made sense. This had to be why everyone left you out! It was because they had a secret identity to protect and you obviously couldn't know!

You thought that once they knew that you were aware of their nightly activities, things would change for the better, that you’d be included and accepted. If anything, your admission was the worst possible thing you could have done. At least before, some of them had pretended to interact or say something to you. But now that you knew their big secret, they no longer had a reason to maintain their forced fronts and pretend to care (even if it was barely caring). They had bigger, better, more important things to worry about than some random girl who popped up and wasn't even a vigilante. 

But ever the idiot, you still tried. You still craved their love and affection, going out of your way to take gymnastics to impress Dick or take coding classes to try and engage with Tim. You even tried talking to Jason about books, something Alfred had mentioned was dear to Jason. You tried sign language with Cass but she was never around long enough for it to matter. None of your attempts were successful. You didn't even bother trying with Bruce, you knew that the man wanted nothing to do with you. 

The straw that broke the camel's back for you was when your half-brother, Damian Wayne was introduced to the manor. You thought that he'd be met with the same coldness as you, and that you’d finally have someone who was in the same boat as you, someone who'd understand. Boy were you wrong. Damian was met with such a warmth it made your skin itch and your eyes teary. You wanted to throw up, this isn't fair, he doesn't even try and he gets their love and attention, yet here you were begging for scraps. Regardless, you thought that at least you could try again with Damian, he was technically blood-related to you after all. Yet when he pulled a knife on you and almost cut your throat, instead leaving a cut on your cheek down to your jaw, you could only stare at him in shock. 

You expected outrage and at least some sort of punishment for Damian, considering he had attacked you unprovoked and that you had no prior martial arts training, you were just a civilian. Dick only pulled you aside after Alfred had patched you up, you’ll never forget the words he said to you.

“(Y/n), what Damian did was a mistake. He’s had a rough childhood with some very bad people and it's not his fault he reacted this way. I know you're hurting, and I promise that this will be the first and last time this ever happens. Please, forgive him.” Dick said softly and mourningly.

You just let out a quiet “okay” not even focusing on Dick’s words, no, your main point of focus was the large, warm hand tenderly cradling your injured cheek. You didn't even realize how touch starved you really were, practically melting into his palm. You almost verbally protested when he retracted his hand as soon as you said “okay”. He was leaving.

“Thanks (Y/n), we really appreciate it. He's a good kid, I promise, he just needs some love and attention is all. I’ll come around to check on you soon, okay?” He said, moving away from you, obviously distracted.

You just “hmmed” in response. You knew he was lying, he would never come see you after this, and you were partly right. He came around the manor all the time now, but never for you, only for your attacker. Damian never did apologize for attacking you by the way. He just moved on, most likely realizing that you weren't a threat and were not worth his energy. 

Your cheek would still forever be scared though, not that anyone cared.

That's okay though, you honestly didn't want to talk to him anyway. The entire “Damian” incident was forgotten about quickly as the family bonded and had movie nights, patrols, and hangouts that you were not invited to. Well technically you were, but you realized that your presence just ruined the overall mood so you just decided that it was better if you just stayed away. It's fine, you did NOT need them. You had other people in your corner that actually cared so you were fine (not really).

Thankfully, you had convinced Bruce (not that he really cared) to let you stay at your old school and not transfer to Gotham Prep. So you got to keep your friends, the only people who understood your plight at the manor, the only people who cared; it was after this that you decided to stop caring as well. You weren't chosen by Bruce Wayne, you were forced upon him. Wayne Manor was not your home, just a stop along the way.

So, you made your peace.

Then, of course things changed, and now the bat family was starting to turn their interests on you. 

Catching attention in Gotham was never a good thing.

[bruhstories]

Bet IV

p.1 here & p2. here & p.3 here & p.5 here & p.6 here

mandatory mdni because things will start to get heated up in the following chapters.

summary: you're starting to feel things for the man who hired you to take care of his cat. but he's only being nice. that's it and nothing more. pairing: hwang in-ho/the front man x civilian!reader warnings & content: age gap, afab!reader, slightly detailed descriptions of reader’s background for plot purposes, red text for in-ho, purple for reader, pre 33rd squid game, canon divergent, domestic violence (reader gets slapped by her uncle), veeeery slow burn, reader's dad is dead w/c: 2.1k

a/n: if you would like to be tagged for the next part, please check this post! thank you for reading! please remember that if you asked to be tagged but i can't find your age on your blog, you will NOT be tagged. there will be smut and people dying lol.

"Where were you last night?"

You sighed at your uncle's question, sick and tired of explaining the same thing over and over again. He woke up earlier than he should have, especially for a man who worked night shifts at a warehouse. He did it on purpose, just to have more reasons to pick on you, and you knew that all too well. You lived through that hell for the past ten years.

"I told you, I was cat sitting." 

"Cat sitting." He repeated with derision in his voice. "You need to get a real job."

"I have two real jobs." You reminded him, and it took all your willpower not to raise your voice at him.

"Where's the money, then? Huh?" Your uncle grabbed you by the wrist, twisting it backwards.

"I'm getting paid today!"

"How much?" 

"660,326!" You cried out as his fingernails dug deeper into your skin.

"I better see that money on my nightstand by tomorrow morning." He let go of your wrist. "Keep the change."

How generous, you thought, rubbing the crescent-shaped dents in your skin. At least he didn't hit you, but your small victory crumbled when he turned on his heels, smacking you with the plastic fly swatter in his hand. Once. Twice. Thrice. 

You didn't cry, not in front of him. Never in front of him. 

But when you stepped through the doors of Mr. Hwang's penthouse, the dam broke, and tears streamed down your cheeks. They burned when they touched the cracked, swollen skin, courtesy of your uncle, but you still smiled at the sight of Eunjoo.

Instead of waiting next to the water bowl, like she had done before, the cat jumped on the countertop, her paw gently touching your wrist, where the imprinted dents of his fingernails were still visible. You didn't know why, but Eunjoo's gesture made you cry harder, heavy tears falling onto her plate. 

"Good kitty." You sobbed, daring to pet her, and she allowed it, nuzzling your hand for the first time since you met her.

Without wasting a single moment, you took out your phone to take a selfie of you and Eunjoo, and sent it to In-ho, with the caption 'Making progress!' You thought he might be happy to see her slowly lower her guard and get attached to you.

Who hurt you?

Stupid. How could you be so stupid to send a selfie when your cheek was grazed and puffy? Of course Mr. Hwang would ask about it, he was a nice man, one whose kindness you didn’t think you deserved.

I accidentally walked into a lamppost! Silly, right?

Hoping that the lie would be convincing enough, you carried on with your tasks after eating with Eunjoo, and to your surprise, it worked. It fooled him, but you weren’t proud of yourself in the slightest. 

You need to be more careful next time. If anything happened to you, who would take care of Eunjoo until I return?

It shouldn't have hurt reading his reply, and yet your heart ached. What did you expect? You were an employee, he obviously wanted his cat to be safe, not you. And how could someone like him even care about someone you? You came from different worlds that could never intertwine.

I will.

No thank you, no sad face — you were bitter, even though, rationally, you had no reason to be. Besides, you lied to him in the first place. Maybe if you told him the truth, he would have sent a different reply. It didn't matter. In less than five days he would come back, pay you and never speak to you again. Just like all rich people did.

You cleaned the bathrooms that morning, scrubbing the bath tubs, the toilets, the sinks and the floors until your fingertips stung and your head pounded from the bleach fumes. The vibration of your phone startled you, and you wiped your hands to check the notification.

Have I upset you?

Okay, maybe he did care. Or maybe he was just very observant and noticed your monotonous reply.

Not at all, I just have a lot on my mind. I'm sorry that you worried about me, or that I seemed upset! You're right, I need to be more careful next time.

Please don't take this the wrong way, miss, but I've never met anyone who apologised for making me worry about them. You're quite special.

You did a double take when you read Mr. Hwang's reply, and a wave of remorse crushed your heart. The man was too nice for you to lie to him, but you didn't want him involved in your family affairs, either. There was a strong internal conflict within you, a battle between honesty and dishonesty, but for the time being, dishonesty won, no matter how disgraceful it was.

Choosing not to reply, as time was ticking and the Abduls would be waiting for you soon, you swiftly finished tidying up the bathrooms and put away all the cleaning products so Eunjoo couldn't get to them. With the automatic feeder full, fresh water in the bowl and litter boxes clean, you left.

In all fairness, you didn't know what to reply to his text. No one called you special before, except for that one guy you dated who only wanted to sleep with you, and unfortunately succeeded. It wasn't your proudest moment, but you moved on since then. You stared at the text, typing a reply, then deleting it, then typing again, and you did that for the duration of the entire bus ride back to Guryong Village. By the time you knocked on Ali's door, you still hadn't come up with a response.

What could you even say? Thank you? Likewise? I'm sorry I lied to you, my uncle slapped me with the fly swatter? No. In telling the truth, Mr. Hwang would pity you, perhaps even offer you more money, or food, or clothes, and you didn't want to be pitied. You wanted your hard work to be recognised, not to use your social status or depressing background as an excuse.

Mrs. Abdul couldn't feed you that day, and that was fine. They needed to prioritise themselves, since they didn't live any better than you. Luckily, you saved enough money to buy a kimbap roll for lunch and a bag of rice crackers for dinner and breakfast. Resourcefulness was, perhaps, your strongest point and the reason you survived for so long.

The theme park was packed with tourists and locals, gathering to watch the parade, and you took the time to entertain children and take pictures with them, always on your feet, always working. Back in the dressing room, you took the comically large mascot head off, sweat dripping down your face and neck. Summers were worse — there were body parts you didn't think could sweat.

"Excuse me, Y/N?"

You looked up from your seat to a man around your age, a coworker named Donghyun. He had worked there for a few months or so, but you barely spoke.

"Yes?" You smiled, resting your elbows on the mascot head in your lap.

"We're getting paid today, and a few of us are going for drinks after work. I was wondering if you would like to come." Donghyun avoided looking into your eyes, nervously pinching the soft fur of his own mascot.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, but I have another job I need to get to. Maybe another time."

"Yeah, another time." He nodded. "Hey, could I get your number?"

"Why would you want my number?" You laughed, immediately pursing your lips when Donghyun frowned. "Sorry, yeah, of course I'll give you my number!"

You were such a people pleaser, it was ridiculous, but he seemed to feel better after saving your number in his phone. And there was no harm in making new friends.

"I'll text you later." Donghyun nodded with a smile and left.

What a strange interaction, you thought. It wasn't unusual for men to like you — you were pretty, smart, funny — but you just weren't interested in any of them. In fact, it was their age and maturity that didn't appeal to you. They acted like prepubescent pricks, trying to impress anything with a vagina and a pretty face by being obnoxious and loud and downright irritating.

Older men were different. They had manners, they were respectful and caring. They knew how to dress, knew how to speak to women, kind of like Mr. Hwang.

Oh. 

God, you needed to forcibly remove that thought from your mind before it spiraled into something worse. In-ho probably wanted nothing to do with you — no, he definitely didn’t want anything to do with you. He was just a nice gentleman who happened to not be married. Maybe he had a girlfriend that didn't live with him. Or maybe he worked so much he couldn't afford a relationship. 

Maybe he murdered people.

You laughed at that ridiculous idea — no one in their right mind would do that, especially not Mr. Hwang. He had a cat, for God's sake. Murderers usually killed animals, surely he was just a normal man with a lot on his mind, a workaholic, or a hermit.

Walking into your boss' office, you received your pay and counted the money — 662,326. You got more than you should've, completely forgetting about the pay rise. Your uncle didn't need to know about that, and you took the extra 2,326 and hid it in a small pocket inside your backpack, along with other money you saved. Unbeknownst to him, you secretly opened a savings account in the hopes that one day you would be able to leave and rent your own place, but you only had 1,094,463.60 won, which was barely enough to cover the deposit.

One day. One day you would leave all that abuse behind and have a fresh start. But today was not that day. 

Back in Gangnam-gu, you entered the penthouse earlier than normal and dropped your bag on the floor next to your worn and torn boots. You were hoping they would last through winter because you really couldn't afford a new pair. Eunjoo ran to greet you for the first time, and your heart was filled with joy at the sight of the cat rubbing against your leg. She was growing on you, and you soon realised how much you'd miss her when Mr. Hwang returned. Perhaps he'd let you visit her. 

You turned the TV on and played some songs by ABBA, the sadness of the morning gone, replaced only by joy and optimism. Things would turn out well, you just knew it. You grabbed In-ho's black clothes and placed them in the washing machine, all the while dancing to the beat of Money, Money, Money. It was a song you related to, but you didn't want to find a wealthy man. You just wanted to have enough money to survive without your uncle.

"It's a rich man's world." You sang to Eunjoo, who wiggled her butt, playfully attacking your feet. 

"All the things I could do if I had a little money, kitty. I would get my own apartment, I would donate to orphanages and charities. Oh, don't look at me like that." You frowned when Eunjoo stared at you judgmentally. "I would! There are people out there who need help. But you know what I would get for me? A hotteok! Ah, I would kill for that cinnamony goodness."

You placed the food on the floor and opened the pack of rice crackers. 

"My dad got me a hotteok on my seventh birthday. It was the best birthday ever and- oh my God, I'm talking to a cat." Laughing at the sudden realisation, you shook your head in disbelief. "Well, you're probably my only friend anyway. You don't judge me. You don't care if I'm rich or poor. You just listen and eat. Oh!"

Good evening, Mr. Hwang! Could I ask what your favourite dish is?

You decided that would be your gift. Cooking wasn't your strongest skill, but you were confident in yourself. And who didn't want to come back to a hot home-made meal? Maybe he liked jajangmyeon, or jjigae, or something sweet, like chapssaltteok. The possibilities were endless.

Beef Wellington. Why?

Your heart sunk to your stomach. Beef fucking Wellington? How on Earth could you even afford all the ingredients? The tenderloin itself was probably over 65,000 won. But you were going to do it for him, regardless of what it cost. You felt that Mr. Hwang deserved it. 

I was hoping to cook it for you when you returned. I'll admit, I didn't think it would be such a... fancy dish, but I'm sure I can manage. 

Have you tried it before?

I'm afraid not. Is it good?

Exquisite. You'll have to stay and try it when I return, yes?

Chewing on your bottom lip, your heart skipped a beat at his request. You knew he was just being nice, but you couldn't stop the sudden burning desire to just obey. 

Yeah, I'll stay. 

tagging: @ri1liane @anmert1 @syraxnyra @frshluvcats @lanyia @mettreads @nightdark-dreamdark @bridge-always @lovekm @audrey223 @ririgy @starkeyszn  @hobiesbrownsgf  @thoughtfulbelieverstrawberry @maria-trisha @akiqvq @10hrs26mn @tenzko @okaycharr @politicstanner @moonxknightx @googie-jeon @swthrtbyeol  @mariiestfu  @ratsnestinmyhair @missroro @talia-the-gemini @fortluocha @true-queen-of-mischief @ssa-callahan @bibliophile-yomna @wwastro @heartsforseo @marymun @glads-stuff @starryeddie @kisses2kanao @gagaga167 @l4venderia @scryi @lelisae @twicelover2 @ashtrosstuff @cruel-affair @cdej6 @veragrhm @nikos-a-clown @cchewhaz @pepsicolacoochie @lily-ann-b @red22wolf @nellabear @unabletonotlovesatoru @happiness2112 @waterjewelsspite @luna-looniesnlog @plan3t-plut0 @full-sunnies @houta-habtet-houta @alexisabirdie @riri53 @bluehourss

[jr-acrux101]

Soldat's Kin PT.2

Summary: He's alive but different. PT.1 Warnings: dark fic, kidnapping, no direct smut Word count: 4.6k Глупый - stupid Вверх - up Полоска - strip Симпатичный - pretty h/l - hair length береги её - keep her safe E/C-eye color H/C- hair color Сидеть - sit Кошка - cat Иди сюда - come here Зайчик - bunny

2024 -New York City

Sam scanned the battle field, looking for any survivors. The buildings were destroyed, half crumbled while others completely gone. He pulled up the screen attached to his wrist, he scanned, slowly, making sure to assess every pile of rubble. Before he decided to shut it off, he saw warmth emitting from the grabble. It was small; child-like. He rushed over, throwing the rocks off the small boy. He grabbed the child, not paying attention to his face, just trying to do his best to not hurt the body. 

“Jamie!” A woman appeared, eyes red, face full of sorrow. 

You cleared more of the rocks, as Sam was able to pull the boy fully out. He laid him carefully, the scanner gave full body heat; he checked the pulse, it was strong. He turned to the boy's face, and saw… Bucky Junior. 

He watched you hover over the kid, desperation evident in your tone, “Jamie? Jamie!”

The young boy emitted a groan, showing he could hear you. “Oh thank god,” you bawled, one hand clutching your chest, relief in your veins. You drew a shaky breath as you turned to Sam, grabbing his hands in yours, “Thank you so much. Thank you.” Your voice was shaky, your heart still lost in fear.

“You don’t have to thank me ma’am.” 

You nodded furiously, ready to talk, when a soft voice was heard, “Mom?”

Eyes wide, you turned your attention to your son, “I’m here. I’m here Jamie.” Hugging the boy, as he gained further consciousness. Sam gave a soft pat on the shoulder, along with a nod, before walking away.

‘That kid looks like it could be Buck’s twin.’ His mind went to Zemos, and Bucky’s devoid of emotion, at that moment. He turned to see you with your son, still there helping him slowly get up, ‘She looks too normal… too nice.’ He watched as you dusted the debris of your son, long h/c hair in a braid, eyes full of love - something Hydra agents lacked. 

It ate at the back of his mind for weeks, before he finally asked something, “Hey Buck?” The park was full, as the two grabbed lunch.

Bucky paused, mid-bite, eyebrows furrowed, “What?”

“When,” he hesitated, what if he was wrong.

The man with the metal arm seemed to know what the question would be about, “What about Hydra Sam?”

“Did they- like, make you do other things besides killing?” The words were heavy as the atmosphere turned tense.

Bucky’s jaw clenched, his right arm fixing his hair, “Why the sudden interest?”

Sam looked away in the distance, taking in the park square, “I saw a boy who looked like you.”

The ex-Winter Soldier paused, “That can mean anything, people have like 10 doppelgangers in their life.”

“I don't know Buck, that kid is like the spitting image of you. The only thing that was different was his eyes, they were e/c.” 

Bucky's mind flashed his with an image of e/c eyes, red from crying. “So what, you think one of the orders I had when I was the winter soldier resulted in a hydra spawn.”

“I don't know about hydra spawn, the women looked sweet. But you know what they say, looks can be deceiving.”

“None of them would want- they were all power hungry women with no compassion for kids. Plus I was a lowly soldat, they probably wouldn't have kept the kid.” Bucky avoided eye contact, only moving his food around, hunger disappeared.

Sam nodded, the solemn mood growing too heavy for each other's comfort. Sometimes, often, the universe liked to prove that it was full of humor. “Jamie! Come back here!” There you were, holding an ice cream cone.

A young boy came cycling towards his mother, lo and behold to Bucky, there was the boy who was the spitting image of him. Sam’s eyes widened, he quietly whispered, “That’s her! That's the kid!” Bucky just stared, the boy was his twin; except, just like Sam had said, his eyes were e/c.

He started to gain a migraine. He stared and stared until they were passing them by. He heard a laugh drop from your lips, “Jamie come one, quit being silly and eat your ice cream. This is the only place that sells pancakes and syrup.” The two men turned to one another, upon hearing the child's name and favorite flavor. Bucky was a sucker for pancakes.

The child nodded to you, putting the training bike next to the bench. He sat finally, politely asking for his ice cream. You smiled at the boy, sitting next to him. Breathing in a deep breath of air, you felt eyes on your figure. Looking up, there were ocean blue eyes of the man with the metal arm. The two of you made eye contact, and suddenly you were back in hydra’s base; being dragged to your daily session with soldat.

Bucky internally flinched, the look of terror was evident on your face, he was no stranger to that look. Whilst it never crossed Sam’s name before, it dawned on him the roles could also be reversed. Before he could stop his friend, Bucky was out of the chair heading towards the mother and son. Sam narrowly missed Bucky. Your breath was caught in your throat, here was the father of your child; The Winter Soldier. “Soldat.” It was a whisper that Bucky caught, it heartbreakingly confirmed his suspicions.

The little boy took his attention away from his ice cream, seeing the man all clad in black and another in simple outing attire; plaid button up and jeans. The boy stared at the dark skin man before recognition set, “You’re the Falcon! That means you’re the Winter Soldier!” The boy jumped up off the bench, forgetting he had ice cream. Splat. It laid on the floor, as the child stared at flatten ice cream, tears welling up. He gasped through his sobs, “Mommy..m-my… ice… cream…”

Before you could react, Bucky lowered his height to match the 4 year old, “Hey it’s okay, I’ll get you a new one. It’s our fault for distracting you.” 

The boy calmed down, his sobbing turned into sniffles, his face turning less blotchy red, “Promise?”

He held out a pinky, which Bucky held out his own, “Promise.” The little pouty lip turned into a toothy white smile. You watched the scene, this man didn’t seem like the Winter Soldier. Sam watched your reaction, you were more calm.

Sam made his way towards you, “If you want I can take your son to the ice cream shop, while you talk to Bucky.”

E/c eyes snapped to brown, “Bucky? I thought his name was James.”

“He likes to use his nickname.” 

Hesitantly nodding, she stared at the man a bit more, “You’re the hero that rescued him?”

He held out his hand, “Sam Wilson, or as your son called me, The Falcon.”

She shakily took his hand, “Y/n L/n. Okay, well um-his flavor was blueberry pancake.”

Sam nodded, giving a little smile: in the back of his mind, that name rang a bell. “Okay so the little man likes that pancake flavor.” Jamie’s eyes snapped to Sam, excitingly nodding his head. Sam gave a laugh, “Alright, come on, I’ll buy you a new one.” The boy jumped for joy, taking Sam's hand and giving his mom a gummy smile.

Bucky sat down in the empty seat next to you. Muscles flinched as he did, your eyes trained on the shoes of people walking by. The man clenched his jaw before he spoke, “I’m sorry.” You didn't speak, so he continued, “I… I don’t remember even that happened in the base, with the torture, cryogenesis and… brain wash. I remembered everyone I killed but being in that basement is… fuzzy to me. I’m sorry for what I did and I am sorry for not remembering all of it. Most of the memories I have are only your eyes crying.”

You slowly faced him, as he was already seeking you, “I forgive you,” his mouth dropped as his eyes widened, “You spoke as someone who was under control, always about the ‘mission to procreate,’ I… I got help, therapy; 2 times a week. Even though my therapist said I didn’t have to forgive you, I wanted to. You were trapped there, just like me. Plus, I’ve always been a crier, so most remember me that way.” You gave an awkward laugh, uncomfortable with the past being brought to light. ‘I liked it,’ Bucky clenched his jaw again as the thought from his deep subconscious awoke. He opened and closed his mouth, like a goldfish, searching for the words to continue. You beat him to the punch though, “He’s yours, Jamie. He’s going to turn six soon.”

“Six?” ‘The boy should be older.’

“Yeah, when the blip happened…he uh… he was gone. He should be 10… but I’m just glad he’s back,” there was a sting behind your eyes, you rapidly blinked it away.

“I’m sorry.” It was the only thing Bucky could say at this point.

“He’s named after you.”

“How… did you find out my name? And how did you get out?”

You sniffled, “Vlad, the soldier assigned to me, let me go. His daughter… he said I reminded him of her. He also kept the other men away from me; Soldat’s Property. When he let me go, we passed a grave, it was filled with another person. I thought I was going to be killed. No more Soldat, no more Sodalt’s kin needed,” you inhaled thinking back to the time Vlad dragged you through the forest, “But he let me go, said you were an assassin and you were nowhere to be found. They panicked, not sending another person with Vlad to make sure the job was done, or maybe… the person in the grave was the second person. He told me your name was James, hence Jamie.”

Even though Bucky didn’t care for his name, he was touched. “Thank you,” it was small and almost unheard. 

“You know, you weren’t a monstrous assassin in the room. I’m not sure if maybe you were given an order to be… hmm gentle, but you were. You call me cимпатичный every time...”

He nodded, he here was being comforted by his own victim, “Still, what I did to you, it's unforgivable.” His foot started to bounce, anger at himself was flooding his veins. 

You shrugged, “It’s my choice, and I chose to forgive you.” You were hesitant to ask, but did so anyway, “What does it mean, cимпатичный?” 

‘How could she forgive me! I’m a monster! She shouldn’t even be letting me near her or the kid!’ His thoughts were in a whirlwind, and the target was himself. You could see the internal struggle, this man was easier to read than his counterpart, “Sol-,” you cleared your throat, "Bucky?” 

He looked at you, fully taking you. You were there, sitting with big eyes staring at him. Your h/l sat naturally, you s/t was glowing, as the sun hit your face he could see why he the Winter Soldier said that word. “He called you pretty.”

You sat a little straighter, mind reeling from knowing now that was his nickname and what it meant, “Oh, okay. Thank you.” You didn’t realize what you said, just reminiscing of every time the Soldat would call you that when he would finish inside you.

Bucky stared at her, brows furrowed and oblivious to where your mind was wandering, “Don’t express gratitude, what I- how cou- why? Why forgive me?” His tone was hard, a different remembrance was stirring inside you.

You were snapped back to the moment, head shaking, “I told you already. You were brai-.”

“No! You can’t just forgive so easily,” shock and anger were held in his soul.

“Please.” It was a hushed whisper as you clench the metal bench, stopping yourself from crying. The Soldat would never yell at you, but the tone of anger was similar.

Bucky turned upon hearing you, his anger evaporated as quickly as it came, “I-I… I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to,” he cut himself off, hands tugging down on his face.

You never wanted to admit it, “I fell in love with you, with the soldat.” You avoided the man's face, embarrassed to have revealed the secret you kept hidden for so long, “Like I said, you weren’t horrible in the cell. We were fucking almost every night,” a hollow chuckle left your lips, “You would hold me, like you needed my contact to breathe. And… you started to smile, you would take off the mask and do this little smirk or smile when we were done. You become less rigid, a little more human when we were together,” a sigh left your lips before you continued, “I don’t know, it was probably some form of Stockholm syndrome, but that doesn’t make what I felt any less real.” 

His jaw hurt from clenching, “Do you miss him?”

Your eyes were the familiar red, holding back tears, “Insanely…yeah I do.”

He softened his demeanor, “I’m sorry.”

“You don't have to keep apologizing, I’ve already forgiven you.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to stop,” he hung his head, so many emotions clouded his person; shame, guilt, self-loathing. ‘Симпатичный.’ It was a whisper in his head, but Bucky was too late.

You glanced at the man, his stare turning blank. You leaned further back, the similarities he was presenting was the Soldat. As his eyes became glossy, he became emotionless. Your eyes widened: whilst you were true in your word about love, the fear of what he was always took up the back of your mind. You glance around the park, no sight of Jamie or Sam, ‘He must be watching him as he eats the ice cream.’ You hoped this was true. The gaze of the hollow man finally turned to you, “Симпатичный.”

You sucked in a breath, “Soldat?”

“Да.” He was here, staring at you.

A pit grew in your stomach, “Can… can I please talk to Bucky again?”

His gaze hardened, with his jaw clenched he spoke, “No,” it was anger filled.

‘It’s okay, just relax.’ You had to make it okay. Drawing in a breath to slowly release it, “Okay soldat. Did you want to keep talking here or did you want to go to yours?” You prayed it was the latter, not wanting to cause whatever the Winter Soldier could release.

The Soldat paused, relishing in being able to make a choice, “Mine.” He looked at you, emotionless eyes have a hint of humanity now.

The direct eye contact made your body flush, “Okay let me drop Jamie off at his play date and then we’ll go to yours.”

He shook his head, “No, kin stays with us.” He wanted the little boy to be with both his parents now.

You drew in another breath, calming your nerves. You leaned in, and he let you, gently touching his lower jaw. Your tone turned softer for him, always softer for the Soldat, “After okay, we can watch movies together or go for a walk, whatever you want but he has to go so we can talk Soldat.”

He glowered, teeth clenching his mouth shut. His nod was curt, barely visible to the untrained eye; but to you, it was evident. You slowly pulled back, when a long forgotten cold touch grabbed your hand, “Jamie?”

You nodded, a small smile forming on your lips, “Yeah Jamie.” He gave a nod of approval before letting you go, “Okay, I will be back in 10 minutes okay. Can you wait here?” Another stoic nod was given before you hesitantly turned away from the assassin. 

You saw Sam and Jamie on the bench right outside the shop, the man gave you a smile unaware of the current situation unfolding. He stood up, lowering his voice so the child wouldn’t hear him, “I thought it would be best to let him eat it here, in case y’all weren’t done talking.”

You licked your lips, mind still really in from what was happening. “Sam?”

His smile slowly started to falter, fear was visible on you, “Yeah?”

You turned to Jamie, happily oblivious to the turn of events unfolding, you grabbed your cell phone - 1 inbox notification. 

‘Hey almost there, walking to the ice cream shop :P’ It was sent 3 minutes ago, ‘Okay she should be here right now then.

“What’s going on?” Sam wasn’t liking how the atmosphere was feeling, his shoulders hunched and the smile was replaced by a frown.

Before you could speak, your sister was there, “Y/n!” 

You whipped around the voice, giving a small tight smile, “Jamie come on, your aunt is here.” With the last bite of the cone shoved in his mouth, Jamie hopped off the bench running full speed with his little legs.

Your sister crouched down, meeting the child for a hug, “Jamie, aw I’ve missed you buddy. Are you ready to hang out with your favorite auntie?”

You walked forward, giving your family hugs, and waving them off. You watched them walk away, as you turned back to Sam, the Winter Soldier stood behind him. With your eyes wide and breath hitch, Sam turned around, not noticing the different demeanor yet. “Buck, my man. How did it-,” as Same went forward to talk to his friend, the brainwashed soldier flashed forward gripping his throat.

Sam coughed out, “Shit.” The realization that this man was no longer his friend. People started to stare, and you started to shake; anxiety was clawing at your throat.

“Soldat, please. Let your friend go.” You approached the man, gently holding his right arm. He gripped your hand, it was firm.

“This man is not my friend.” His grip loosened regardless.

“He’s Bucky’s friend, by an extension of yours. Please, let’s go to yours to talk, remember? That’s what you picked?” You prayed he would listen.

He let Sam go, you knew better than to rush and help Sam; it might upset the Soldier. The man was on the floor gasping for breath, the Soldier looked at you nodding his head to the direction, “Come.”

You gave Sam a small sad smile, mouthing ‘Safe,’ to him. With that the Winter Soldat gripped your hand with his metal one, taking you through the sea of people.

Sam hit the floor, “Fuck!” He stood up, running to his car, Joaquin's number already on dial.

The Soldat’s grip was firm but soft, he led you through the city, weaving in and out of alleyways. You were pretty sure that he added extra courses to throw you off. He pushed through a double door, you weren't able to read the name of the complex. You were indeed winded after 4 flights of stairs, the Winter Soldier seemed fine of course. He looked at your hand as he grabbed the keys, “I’m not going anywhere.” It was reassurance he needed, another slight nod before he let you go. The keys turned and a low click, and the door opened. There was another sound, bells jingling. A soft white tuft of fur was seen behind the arch, Soldat waited for you to enter first, which you complied. 

The cat peaked its head out, a little meow hitting your ears. The cat lazily stretched forward, before going to inspect you. You knelt for Alpine so he could sniff, sniff, and sniff again; he patiently sat, waiting for a pet. You giggled at the small animal, the fur was soft and vibrations started to emit from it. A gruff voice was broke through your concentration of pets, “Кошка. Alpine.”

“You’re a very cute kitty,” you gave a last pet before the cat made its way to the Soldat. It purred as it rubbed itself against him. You saw the hesitation in the man’s eyes, “Give him a soft pet if you want.” He tentatively reached out, favoring his right arm this time, and he would agree the lush fur was soft and silky. Satisfied, the cat walked away into the hallway before lying down on the rug, ready to take a nap.

He stood next to you, a metal arm extended for you to take. You did so, dusting yourself off. The Soldat stared at you, you didn’t seem to age; not that he knew anything about you, only physical. He led you again down the hall, to his room; wooden floor, one seat, and a bed on the floor. The layout had you thinking of the base, just nice furniture and place. He stopped in front of the bed, “Сидеть.”

He followed his own instructions, he tugged at you gently, “I still can’t understand Russian Soldat.”

“Сидеть; it means sit, Зайчик.” 

You nodded, now confused at the other word said. You shifted, and the bed creaked: memories creeped their way into your mind, your body burning as a result. You avoided the Soldiers gaze, knowing the flush of your skin was very much prominent. Soldat smirked, knowing what was being conjured in your head. “Y/n.” Your eyes widened, he never said your name before. You gave a nod as he looked to see if you heard him, “I… I have… missed you,” the words felt foreign on his tongue.

“I’ve missed you too, Soldat… But, why did you return Soldat?”

“Are you not happy to have me?”

Your eyes soften at the man, “Of course I am happy, but from my understanding Bucky has you…” you bit your lip trying to find the right word, “... has you… restrained.”

The Soldat smirked, “He is only in control because I let him.” Your face betrayed your thoughts, and he seemed to notice, raising an eyebrow he spoke again, “I saw you. I will be honest, I do not care what Bucky does most of the time but he was upsetting you.”

“So you came out to - in a way- stop yourself ?”

“I want to be with you, Y/n. Bucky was ruining my chance to see you more.”

You looked away, as the butterflies fluttered in your stomach, “You have grown a lot Soldat. But, this is also Bucky’s life. While we have a child together, I do not think he wants to be with me. And I have to respect that, it’s his choice.”

“What about my choice?” He gave a low growl, teeth clenched at what was said.

“You were in charge… no… what I mean is; while you had to take orders because you were brainwashed and had to survive, during that time - it was you in control. Bucky was trapped in his own mind for years Soldat, it’s only right he has his… time to be in control.”

“I don’t care.” You pressed your mouth into a thin line, of course Soldat would be hard-headed. “Call me James.”

Your brows knitted together at the name change, “Okay… James.” You leaned forward, and he followed your actions, “I need you to let me talk to Bucky please.”

“No.”

“So-,” you cleared your throat, “James please. I need to speak to Bucky.”

“No.”

“Please, I am begging you.”

He smirked, “How about you beg a different way?”

The man in front of you was very different as well, compared to the man you knew. You felt the heat slowly burn through you, “You speak a lot more now.”

The smug look was still on his face, “So do you. As I remember you moaned a lot more.”

With his guard let down, Buck was able to take back control. With a smug turning into wide eye fear, he jolted back. His breath was heavy, eyes frantically taking in his surroundings, “How did you awaken him?”

“I didn’t awaken him, I…not-I, I wouldn't know how to.”

Fear turn to anger quickly, now a familiar feeling cold metal touch ripped your throat, “How the fuck did you awaken him!”

You gasped for a breath, but to no avail. Black dots slowly clouded your vision, gasping one last sentence, “Soldat… or.. Buc-Bucky.”

The metal touch was quickly rescinded as fast as it came, he stood there horrified at what he had done. “Fuck! I-I cou-didn’t mean too.” You hunched over, breathing as much air as you could.

Bucky shot up, and moved himself to the other side, “I’m sorry. I-I… I just don't understand how he came out.”

You gasped again, the oxygen supplying your brain, “He said you were fucking up talking to me.” A couple of coughs slipped past your lips, as your throat tickled still.

He paused, “What?”

“He said he wanted to see me more, and you scared me away. He had to stop it.”

A stupid look made its way to his face, “So, the assassin who is my brainwash counterpart, high-jacked my body to do damage control? Is that what you're saying?”

You rubbed your throat, rolling your eyes at the man, “Yes, basically. Could you not ask James this yourself?”

“James?” His eyebrows continued to knit together.

“That's what he wanted me to call you.”

He was at a loss for words, the Winter Soldier was… gaining humanity. This wasn't supposed to be the future, the Soldier was supposed to be buried and gone. It dawned on him, “He loves you. In his own twisted way, the Winter Soldier actually cares about you.” Fear coursed through him, “You activate him.” It was whispered to himself but you heard it.

Your voice turned soft, “I think he just wants me around.”

Bucky started to breathe heavily, as if the oxygen was being withheld. He gripped the counter top, fighting to breathe. You made your way to him, touch and voice still soft, “Hey. Hey, it's okay. Focus on my voice, or focus on my hand. Can you feel it?”

He gasped again, but nodded. “That's it, you can breathe. One deep breath in: one, two, three. Hold; one, two, three. Exhale; one, two, three.” He started to follow along, till he vision wasn't blurry, till his breath was deep and strong. You rubbed small circles on his back, “It's okay, you're here.”

Bucky gave one loud inhale, he eyed you, “Did you do this a lot for him? Comfort him?” There was no malice, just curiosity.

You gave a shrug, “Not really, he comforted me more than I did him. Not with words, more with actions.”

“What did he do?”

“He held me a lot. After um… what was needed. He would hold me til I fell asleep. Sometimes I would feel the metal arm slowly graze my back or massage my head. When I would cry, which was a lot, he would wipe my tears and kiss me to distract me.”

Bucky nodded, he continued to melt into her touch, his body no stranger to it. They stayed like this, in each other's space, relishing in one another's presence. The comfort the two of you gave each other, it put Bucky’s mind at ease. Slowly, memories of the past were in a way granted access to Bucky.

There's gonna be a part 3

Taglist: @thenameswinter99 @sebastians-love @otherotherplace

[lordprettyflackotara]

big bad wolf || sam golbach

SMUT MINORS DNI 18+. tw: drug lord!sam, drug dealer!reader, aggressive sex, orgasm denial, bickering, talk of drugs. a key is basically a fuckton of coke guys LOL. (i’ve been watching too much snowfall), choking, there’s a gun involved but no gun play

With a quick flick of his lighter, Sam Golbach watched the end of his cigarette spark to life. He inhaled deeply, allowing the scent feeling of tobacco swirl around his lungs. Cigarettes were Sam’s bad habit. One he only allowed himself to take part in when he was extremely stressed.

As he sat outside of your house in his BMW, the stress was practically suffocating. He loved Colby. Colby was a good friend, communicator, and most importantly, a good business partner. Sam would do anything for him, the two building an undeniable drug empire over the last four years. The blonde exhaled the smoke, ignoring the haziness it was creating.

Sam and Colby were the perfect duo to run what they did. Sam was ambitious and a perfectionist. The numbers he crunched were light work. He practically ran laps around them. Colby was almost the opposite, his mind never able to wrap itself around the logistics. But his silver tongue made the boys connections that Sam would’ve never gained on his own. He was too paranoid, his distaste for others often written all over his face. But Colby saved face, his smile and soothing words gaining them lifelong business connections and mutual respect.

The boys agreed on almost everything, except for one tiny little thing. Once a month Colby returned to their home town in Ohio, doing runs to their original client base. Once they sold their first few keys of coke Sam never saw the point. But Colby refused to abandoned the people who believed in them from the start. Sam never went with him and opted out of any opportunity to return to where it all started. That was until Colby had a solo meeting he had to attend in Mexico. The potential business partners weren’t fond of Sam, Colby’s charm the biggest selling point.

Imagine his distain when Colby asked him to do his hometown runs for him. If it wasn’t for the possible new extension of an entirely new product, Sam would’ve said no. Truthfully he was just making himself miserable. His eyes narrowed as he confirmed the address that was scribbled on the piece of crumbled paper in between his fingertips. It was the right address, it was yours.

The blonde glanced at the clock, sighing. You were supposed to come out at 1:00 am on the dot, the time 12:59. As Sam inhaled another deep breath of his cigarette he decided that if you weren’t there by 1:01 he’d bail. He perked up at the sound of your front door closing, your appearance a sight for sore eyes. Leggings hugged your curves, filthy converse covering your feet. A tight black jacket covered your torso, the zipper down just enough to show your breast bouncing ever so slightly as you walked. As attractive as you were, Sam only had one thought: Colby was definitely fucking you.

Confidently you strode up to the window, knocking gently on the tinted glass. Sam rolled down his window, exhaling the smoke through his nose. “You’re not Colby,” You point out flatly. Sam refrained from rolling his eyes. Instead he shifted ever so slightly in his seat. “Great observation. What do you usually buy?” Sam asked, wanting to get this over with. The orders for the small pool of clients here were never massive. The blonde was able to get by with his stock being in a simple black backpack. “I’ll take a key,” You respond confidently. Sam began to dig around in his backpack, shoving his pre-weighed bags of weed to the side.

“Colby sick or something?” You questioned. Sam wanted to ignore you, his cigarette hanging from his lips. “No he’s just busy, so today you get me,” He huffed. He pulled out the key, his eyes flickering over to your black purse. You reached into it, presenting him with five sheets of tabs of acid. Sam blinked a few times, firmly believing his eyes were deceiving him. “What the fuck is this?” He snapped. You were taken aback by his response. “What I trade Colby for the key,” You replied. Sam audibly scoffed, removing his cigarette from his lips.

“You are out of your mind. We only accept cash, no trades, no bullshit,” Sam argued. He had to admit your attempt to trade was amusing, your confidence unmatched. “Colby always lets me trade. Why don’t you grab an ehrich’s reagent and test my shit if you’re so hesitant?” You countered. Sam didn’t care about testing your tabs for quality. “Dont be such a pussy. I have good product here. Real intense shit,” You debated. Your insistence was beginning to annoy the blonde in front of you. He flickered the kash of his cigarette out of his window, attempting to maintain his composure. How had Colby let this go on for so long? How many keys was he pissing away just for some pussy? Cocaine wasn’t cheap. Sam avoided eye contact with you, afraid his emotions would be written all over his face.

You were beginning to grow impatient. “I have people who are ready to buy my product and you’re currently wasting my time and money. Hand it over,” You say impatiently. Sam frowned and boldly met your fire filled gaze. “Your product?” He echoed. He found himself sarcastically laughing, unable to comprehend your boldness. “You don’t cook it the way I do, therefore it’s mine,” You debated. Sam took one last inhale of his cigarette, before flicking it out of the window beside you. “Look I understand you let Colby fuck you and that’s how you got away with this shit but listen closely. I don’t think with my dick, so you’re not getting our premium shit for some Ohio LSD,” Sam spat.

He could visibly see your confidence falter, your crossed arms falling. “Now if you’ll excuse me you’ve wasted enough of my time,” Sam huffed harshly, grabbing the stick of his car and shoving it into reverse. In a split second you had thrown your acid in the car, the sheets landing against the passenger side door. “What the fuck are you-” He began to question, the weight of your body surprising him. You had thrown yourself into his car through the drivers window. You were not one to play games, not when it came to a deal. “You bitch! The fuck-” Sam hissed, watching in shock as you crawled over him and into the passengers seat. You crossed your arms, glaring at him. “I’m not leaving this car until you give me my shit,” You spat, venom lacing every last word. Sam gritted his teeth, growing rather annoyed. This was the clientele that Colby was running around for? The blonde made a mental note to put his ass through the wringer for making him put up with you. “Get out of my car,” Sam barked. Your eyes shot daggers, your position firm.

“No.”

Sam rolled up his window, throwing his cigarette bud out of it before it rolled shut. “Why don’t you try my product if you don’t believe me?” You counter offered. Sam scoffed, putting the car in reverse. The last thing your neighbors needed to notice was his presence everlasting in your driveway. “I don’t do drugs. Kind of the rule of thumb if you’re going to be in this line of work,” Sam huffed. You grumbled to yourself as you put on your seatbelt. “Cute and smart. Only thing you’re lacking is a goddamn personality. How did Colby wind up with you?” You questioned, mainly talking to yourself. Sam quickly sped out of your neighborhood, causing you to raise an eyebrow. “If you’re trying to drive like the fast and furious to scare me, it’s not gonna work,” You snapped. Sam rubbed his temple. What the hell was he going to do with you? He couldn’t exactly let you ride around with him all night. Murdering you wasn’t an option either. Not only was it too much work to clean up, but Colby would be pissed. He strummed his fingertips on the steering wheel, pondering to himself. You glared out of the passengers window, silently wondering to yourself what exactly was going to happen to you if you kept this charade up. There was only so long you could pretend to be as put together as a drug lord.

Sam’s mind was running in circles. He pulled out of your neighborhood, putting the car into sport mode. He slammed his foot on the gas, causing you to grip the seat. “Could you slow the fuck down?” You asked. Sam flew down the empty street, chuckling to himself. “Could you get the fuck out of my car?” He countered. For a brief moment he saw a flash of fear spread across your face, the sight giving him an idea. He slowed down, pulling into a side dirt road that connected a forest. Sam put the car into park, reaching over you and digging in his glovebox. He pulled out a small black pistol, clicking off the safety and pointing it at your head. “Take your shitty acid and get the fuck out of my car,” He barked. You froze momentarily, before taking off your seatbelt and turning to him. You closed the gap of space between you and the end of the pistol, the cool metal pressing against your forehead. “Go on, do it,” You whispered. Sam’s eyes widened, his hardened facade faltering. “Are you deadass?” He questioned. Your eyes flickered to his, causing him to gulp nervously. There was something oddly attractive about that look in your eyes, causing him to freeze. You didn’t reply, waiting for him to make the next move.

“Son of a bitch, you’re out of your mind,” He grumbled, removing the gun from your temple. How could he find you so hot for challenging him? Fuck he was growing weak. You smirked to yourself, fighting a giggle. “Says the one who just threatened to shoot me,” You say, a small giggle escaping your lips. Sam turned the safety back on, chucking it back in his glovebox. You nervously played with your hair, pulling at a random strand with your fingers. “You know, you look kinda cute holding a gun like that. Real God Father of you,” You complimented, attempting to lighten the mood. The sooner he warmed up to you, the sooner you could get your key and bounce. “You looked kinda cute having a gun to your head if that’s any constellation,” He said, attempting to be nice. You had an attractive aura about you, one that Sam was starting to see the longer you weren’t fazed by who he was. Maybe in a different life he’d take you out on a date. “If i’m telling the truth this acid belonged to my ex boyfriend, it’s probably shitty,” You admitted, holding up the tab. Sam muttered a snarky ‘I knew it’, which caused you to roll your eyes. “I’m not lying to Colby about it though. He just pretends he doesn’t notice. He does it as a favor to me to help me keep a roof over my head,” You explained.

Sam scoffed, “Can’t you just work at Waffle House or something?”

“I could ask you the same thing.”

There was a brief silence, before Sam chuckled. “So you’re not fucking Colby then?” He questioned. You let out a fake gag. “Seriously? Hell no i’m not fucking him. You only think that because i’m pretty,” You argued. Sam rolled his eyes, his annoyance growing once more. “I never called you pretty,” He debated. You could’ve laughed in his face if his audacity hadn’t frustrated you. “With the way you’ve been staring at me? You don’t have to,” You barked. Sam readjusted in his seat, turning to you. “And what if I do think you’re pretty? Huh? What if I told you I wanted to fuck you senseless right here and right now? What would you do then hotshot?” Sam bickered. You uncrossed your arms, unzipping your jacket. “You don’t even have to ask,” You mumbled, crawling over into his seat. You straddled his lap, your face an inch away from his. Sam could feel his face growing hot, watching as you shrugged your jacket off of your shoulders. It left you in nothing but a bra, your breast begging to be touched.

“This doesn’t mean you’re getting the key,” Sam whispered, glancing down at your plump lips. You rolled your eyes, rolling your hips against his. “Shut up and kiss me,” You replied, the blonde eagerly crashing his lips onto yours. He grabbed the mounds of your ass, gripping the flesh harshly. You groaned into his mouth, his lips suffocating in the best way. He guided you to continue grinding against him, his cock already growing harder through his jeans. You teasingly grinned at the sight. “Awe is someone hard for me? I knew you’d be easy, slut,” You mocked. Sam bit your bottom lip, causing you to whine. He reached around and unclasped your bra, tossing it aside. “I’m the easy one? You’re fucking your drug dealer,” Sam sneered, grabbing one of your breast and rolling your nub in between his index and middle finger. You groaned, meeting his icy gaze. “You’re not my drug dealer, Colby is,” You barked. Sam brought his mouth to your other nipple, sucking at it harshly. You tugged at his blonde hair, your back arching at the sensation.

You could only feel yourself growing wetter, your body aching for the bastard beneath you. Sam released your nipple with a pop, admiring how hard it grew from the exposure to the cool air. “So you let Colby fuck you too then? Whore,” Sam growled. He began to tug down your leggings, yanking your panties down with him. You awkwardly tried to assist, your head hitting the roof of the car. “For such an expensive car it sure is small, just like i’m sure your dick will be,” You hissed, the cool night air hitting your exposed slick. Sam ran two fingers up your folds, gathering your wetness. “You’re really turned on for a stranger. You really that lonely?” Sam jarred. You aggressively yanked at his belt, fiddling with the damned buckle. Sam continued rubbing your clit is teasingly slow circles, enjoying watching your face turn red. “I could say the same to you Sammy,” You argued weakly, helping the blonde shove down his pants and boxers. You whimpered as he rubbed faster circles around your clit, your anger facade faltering. You grabbed handfuls of his shirt, your insults replaced with moans. “Dont call me that. Shut up and moan for me,” Sam ordered darkly, a sadistic smile crawling up his lips.

It was like he read your body like a book, the cord inside of you growing too fast. You grabbed his wrist, the blonde refusing to slow down. “Holy fuck, gonna cum,” You whined, your warning only causing the sensation to stop. You immediately grew angry, glaring at the drug lord below you. “Bad sluts don’t get to cum, unless it’s on my dick of course,” He smirked up at you. You gritted your teeth, grabbing his length and aligning it with your entrance. You began to sink onto it, both of you letting out a moan of relief in unison. Your gummy walls were clinging to his cock, begging for more as you bottomed out. Sam bit his bottom lip, watching you eagerly swallow him whole. “Not so cocky now huh?” You giggled, earning an eye roll from Sam. He gripped your hips, before guiding you to bounce up and down on his cock. All cockiness and anger had faded away, the two of you moaning unison as his tip brushed against your g spot. You couldn’t control your sinful noises, the car windows beginning to fog as you tilted your head back in pleasure.

“Fuck, just like that babygirl, fuck,” Sam panted. For a brief second the drugs didn’t even matter, the big bad wolf facade you both demonstrated had vanished. Sam’s frustration towards Colby, your desperation to feel something after your break up. None of it mattered, all that mattered was his cock sliding in and out of you, abusing your sex as he pleased. “Feels so good Sammy,” You whined. Sam grunted, using one of his hands to slither up to your throat. He wrapped his fingers around your neck, squeezing at he fucked upwards into you. He could feel your walls squeeze his cock tighter, a mischievous grin growing. “You like that huh? Don’t call me Sammy,” Sam grunted. You could feel the knot in your stomach tightening, your thighs trembling. You brought your hand to Sam’s throat, mimicking his actions. You felt his cock twitch inside of you, a lazy laugh escaping your lips. You both were becoming spent, your orgasms growing nearer. “I’m so close, let me cum,” You pleaded, squeezing his neck. You maintained intense eye contact with him, the blonde obsessed with the way you moaned his name.

“Cum with me, cum now.”

His words sent you over the edge, the two of you a sweaty mess piled together. Both of your hands fell, the struggle for dominance now completely over. Sam peered at the exhausted girl laying on his shoulder, sighing when he came to a realization.

He’d have to come to Ohio more often.

[spinstertheuncommon]

Gotham's Sewist - A Bachelor's Suit [Part 1/2] | Bruce Wayne x reader

Part 2 here!

Series master list

Tiz - a gender neutral version of ma'am/sir

Timeline: Reader and B are 27

Notes: swearing, reader crashes out, bruce might be out of character but hoe hum this is for fun

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"what has gotten you so gloomy?"

"heh?" you half ass a response, too transfixed in mending a 8 inch hole in the cape. a magnifying glass sits attached to a desk arm, with your nose practically pushed against it. you bought it on a whim in college but it's been the best investment you've ever made. behind you, you hear the batman shuffle, always alert, and never one for your short answers. for a world class detective, he needs a lot of answers from me. can't he just sniff them out like a blood hound?

"you're tired. your shoulders are tense, you have been using your cane more often, which would normally lead you into going to the physical therapist but you haven't been there in over a month. Your avoiding it, which you do when you're stressed. you haven't left your studio in a week, as your biking boots are still covered in the same water damage from Mr freezes attack last Thursday, supplementing my concern further as you always pride in taking care of your gear. so i ask again, why?"

shit, maybe he doesn't need the questions. maybe he's board of my silence.

you heave a sigh, flinging back in your chair, needle discarded. rolling your head to face the bat, you've come to expect no concern or emotion in his face; it's only in his actions.

"you really wanna know? yeah? okay, my rent has gone up, and so has the cost of fabric. i can't possibly charge any of my clients more than i am because most of them who come here do it for a luxury and not a necessity, other than you and the alley kids, but you already pay me too much, and i'm never charging those kids anything. the stores front window, while yes it was smashed two weeks ago, still needs to be re-repaired because the guy who did it was cheap as and couldn't tell his head from his ass. can't believe i paid him, honestly. AND more so, my meds have stopped working and of course i can't get anything stronger because healthcare is non-existent for everyone but the wealthy, and that Mr freeze attack has caused every bone in my legs to seize up on top of the stress, so yes. i'm tired. and yes, I'm stressed, and ON TOP OF THAT there's this historical garment collection tour coming to Gotham in a few months that i really want to go to but i will never be able to afford a ticket..." your words slow, eyes full of water. the bat doesn't move for a moment, studying how close you are to crumbling. he then inches forward, and places a gloved hand on your shoulder.

"you're okay. it will be okay."

you crumble into his side, still sitting in the chair. since loosing physical connections with all your college friends after they moved cities, you forget how much you crave touch. never big, something small like a hand on a shoulder, or a light hug could send you careening into an unhealthy attachment with a person.

and what's more unhealthy to attach to than a man you don't even know the name of.

++2 weeks later++

low rent prices or a safer business area.

you picked the former.

look, moving was going to be about prioritizing your safety, but right now your income is only stable enough to support a storefront in a cheaper part of Gotham. so, you packed up and moved from crime alley to...

Bowery.

yeah... not really better, but it's cheap.

but do you know what's not cheap?

super fine pure wool. this wall of bolts was so massive, it needed it's own rolling ladder every six meters across. you felt swamped, both physically and mentally. each bolt of wool pulls you in, the only anchor you have is your cart, already weighted by the silk lining you've chosen, and the check in your pocket, one signed by the richest, most eligible man in Gotham.

bruce wayne.

you still don't think it's real. how would he know who i am? did the batman x Bruce Wayne fanfics actually have merit? my only other customers besides the bat were regular ass people and that one time a guy wanted two suits sewn together. that and the kids in crime alley i dress for free, but they're not really clients. so...who? was Bruce's child, Dick Grayson, one of the kids? i think I'd recognise him...

you still feel numb from the first phone call two weeks ago. answering it with all the professionalism you had in your body at 4:56pm on a Friday, you had a full system reboot when the man on the other line confirmed for the 7th time that he was in fact, the Bruce Wayne, instead of the prank caller you assumed he was.

i mean, why would Bruce fucking Wayne be calling me, a 27 year old, barely surviving sewist with no real display of my work, to make him, and his child, suits for a high priced gala?

so hear you are, having a conniption about what wool and silks to buy that would match the vague descriptions Bruce gave you over the phone.

this will be a long 3 months.

++one month down++

it was strange. you'd think that working for new clientele would alleviate the repetitive funk you've found yourself in. new faces, and new personalities, even if they were rich socialites with no inherit grounds to share with them. but that's fine, you don't need to be friends with your clients.

but no. this felt violently familiar.

despite standing in the most expensive room you've ever stepped foot in, running circles around the brick wall of a man that is Bruce Wayne, as a young boy and kind butler watch on, you couldn't help being swarmed with deja vu. it felt like wading water, pinning the muslin, double checking the flushed fit of the 3 piece suit that was asked of you, and measuring the span of his upper back almost made you panic.

he's got the same shoulders as batman.

gotta love a coincidence... right?

and... fuck me, is this Richard kid the same hight as Robin? oh my god ohmygodohmygod-

"Tiz, are you okay?"

"huh? oh sorry, sorry, yes, just... doing calculations in my head, i'm fine," you shuffle, cheeks dusted red after being called out. "i do think i have everything, though, so i can leave. Sir, please be careful taking off the muslin, i wouldn't want a pin in you."

Bruce chuckles, and you fear your cheeks will never cool down. You distract yourself by folding and refolding the mock up for Richard, or Dick as he insisted you called him. Whatever the kid wants I suppose.

said kid had a vibe you never really expected. it's not like you're in the dark to who Richard Grayson is. the amount of articles about this kid and the death of his parents, and then eventual adoption, could light a fire and fuel it for a month. it made you sick at the time, all the talk about it felt like tragedy porn. you couldn't even imagine what a kid was thinking about it. but from the look of things, nothing can stop this kid.

"how long would it take to make my suit? do you think it'll look good? i want it to be green, or maybe purple!" Dick jumped along the couch he was on, attentively not hopping off the couch, as the first few times he tried to see what you were doing, he got a stern look from Bruce. he was then told that if he wanted to stay, he had to stay on the couch.

"you already picked out your colour, champ. you're going in blue, remember?" Bruce, in just a dress shirt and compression pants, that made his ass look fantastic, went over and scooped up the 13 year old like he was nothing, and bundled him under his arm like a football. god, his smile is blinding, i get what all the gossip's about, he is smoking.

"Let me escort you to your vehicle," Alfred snapped you out of your daze, steering you away from the father and son with a gentle hand towards the door. and what an extravagant door it is. the mahogany wood sits inside the most extravagant stained glass arch, adorned with roses and antique gold solder, that perfectly matches the gold furnishings on the door. the same furnishings that mirror the fountain in the middle of the drive. The marble stairs that link the door to the driveway are so dramatic, you want to flounce around on them like meg from Hercules.

Stepping back from your daydream, you thank Alfred for holding your bag as you shuffle on your safety gear of a jacket and helmet. Before you turned on the bike, Alfred calls your name and pulled a card from his breast pocket.

“I hope you know there is no obligation, but Master Bruce and Master Dick wish for you to attend the gala that you’ve been making their suits for.” you take the invite, a little star struck. the card, the size of a business card, has embossed grooves over it and delicate gold leafing to resemble hemmed stitches, but it's the address that perked your interest.

"i-its at the Gotham historical fashion exhibit?" your eyes shone, practically in tears. oh my god i'm so glad he can't see under my visor, im crying about a invite.

"Master Bruce has an appreciation for all art forms, and takes any and all chances to highlight it. he believes that more eyes should see the pieces, and if he has to host a party, well, lets say he wouldn't mind." Alfred carries a twinkle in his eyes, one of pure childish wonderment, but there's a hint of something you couldn't quite place. was it pride? a secret? you couldn't tell. all you knew is you had an all expenses paid trip to the most decked out fashion collection and come hell or high water you were going.

"tell him thank you, then, i've been dying to see this exhibit."

"no thanks needed, this is payment in kind, along side the money of course. now drive safe, we wouldn't want you unavailable for the gala."

with a nod, you pull out of the Wayne Manor drive, and spend the next 20 minute drive to your studio giddy.

holy shit i need an outfit.

(To be Continued...)

+++++++++++

Helloo!

So the fanfic curse is real lol. The last one I posted was my first ever post and the literal day after was a real shit show that I can't actually talk about lmaoo

My next chapter for this should reasonably be split into 2 instead of stay one, but idk if I can be bothered, so the next chapter will be looong tehe!

See y'all nextime!

Spinster

Do not copy, steal, or repost my work! Thanks!

[fandoms-x-reader]

Inside a Horror Game (Part 3)

Requested By: @deludedprime

Word Count: 5,506

Part 1 - Part 2

You stood by yourself in one of the stone rooms in the labyrinth. The others were still trapped in their rooms, doing everything they could to escape.

You ran a hand over your face, trying to compose your thoughts. What had you done wrong? Why couldn’t you get them to succumb to their sin? Why couldn’t you kill them like you had set out to do? 

_______________

You woke up in darkness. It was quiet and empty with nothing and no one around you. You took a few steps forward trying to find out where you were.

You heard a voice off in the distance. You recognized the voice, but you couldn’t quite make it out. It was too quiet. You were too far away. You began walking in the direction of the noise and started hearing others.

You stopped when they finally came into view. Everyone you loved was portrayed in front of you in a vision. You could see and hear them, but you couldn’t reach out and touch them. “Hey,” you stated, waving your hand at them.

“Hey!” you shouted louder, your movement becoming a bit more frantic, hoping to catch their attention. But they didn’t react at all. They were looking right at you. They were talking to you. So, why couldn’t they see or hear you?

“Let them go.”

Your focus snapped to Lucifer as he spoke those words. You felt an uneasy tension building up inside you as your heart began racing. He was talking about you, wasn’t he? You took a few steps backward and your mind was overwhelmed as you recollected your time stuck in the videogame. 

“Soon you’ll find the urge to kill them stronger than any urge you have to protect them.”

You were the one speaking those words. It was your voice talking and your body moving while you said them. But, it wasn’t you. You didn’t believe them. They loved you as much as you loved them, you were sure of it. It didn’t matter if you were an angel, human, or demon.

“That would never happen.”

Your heart melted as Satan spoke up, reconfirming your words. You reached out to touch him and then realized you couldn’t. You had to get out of here. 

“Let’s see what happens when you’re tested.”

Your blood ran cold at the words. Someone had taken over your body and intended to use it to hurt everyone. You couldn’t let that happen. You wouldn’t let that happen. You weren’t sure how, but you would find some way out. You find some way to fight and take your body back. No matter the cost.

_______________

It was starting to make sense now. Everyone was still alive because you were fighting back. You were putting every ounce of your energy into regaining control and it was hindering your abilities. There was a war going on inside your body and it was being put under extreme stress as it tried to contain both you and the being. 

As you got weaker, the walls of the labyrinth began crumbling down. The being was losing what strength it had to keep them up. The unnecessary rooms and hallways began to collapse; and soon, the holding rooms went along with it. 

When the rumbling from the walls crashing down stopped, everyone stood there together. A mix of confusion and relief washed over their features as they were finally freed from their captivity. But, who was the one who brought down the walls?

They looked at each other, all fourteen of them silently asking the same question. None of them were providing an answer though. “Lucifer, did you-?” Asmo began to ask but was cut off when Lucifer shook his head no. “It wasn’t me,” Lucifer replied.

“Satan?” Solomon asked, turning towards the Avatar of Wrath. He was good enough at curses that it was believable. There was a small frown on his face as Satan replied, “I tried, but nothing I did worked. This was someone else.”

Barbatos and Solomon had already been rendered powerless when it came to the videogame and after Diavolo and Simeon both denied playing a part in the walls crumbling down, that left them with only one answer. The one person they couldn’t see - you.

“So, they’re still alive,” Levi said, an immense weight lifted off his shoulders. He was afraid that after failing to kill them, the being would go after you. 

“We need to get to them,” Diavolo stated. Everyone agreed, ready to fight an army off if it meant saving you.

They raced through the hallways, easily finding the right path as the others were reduced to rubble. They reached the room and entered, stopping when they finally saw you. 

You stood in front of them, holding a weapon in one hand while your other hand clutched your forehead. You were turned away from them, not moving. From where they stood they could see that something was wrong.

“Y/N!” Mammon shouted, taking a step forward. Your eyes snapped open, clutching your weapon tighter. The being was inside of you and it had your memories. It knew everything about you; and, you had given them an idea.

“Stay.”

You smiled as all seven demon brothers froze in their spots and you used whatever magic you had left to stop the rest of them. The being was tired of waiting. They were tired of them trying to escape; and, they were tired of you fighting back. They were going to end this now.

_______________

You watched in horror as all of your friends were frozen in place. The being was going to kill them. You were going to have to watch them plunge their weapon into each one of their hearts as you sat there and watched.

The being began walking towards the brothers first and your heart nearly stopped. Just the thought of watching any of them die was overwhelming you with sadness. This couldn’t be happening. 

You watched as the being raised the hand with the weapon, readying it for the first attack. 

“No.”

This was your body and you weren’t going to let it happen. You took a deep breath and mustered everything you had left. You didn’t care if it killed you, as long as it saved them. You put everything you had into gaining control.

_______________

The brothers watched as you came closer and closer, your weapon ready to strike the first of them down. Your eyes were filled with malice as you wore a smile. The being had won. They weren’t strong enough.

You moved to attack as the others looked on in panic. But, you faltered. Your eyes - they were no longer filled with malice but with sorrow. Your arm was frozen in the air and the brothers could see the internal struggle you were going through. 

In a flash, you had plunged the weapon that was intended for them into yourself. Everyone watched in horror as you let out a painful gasp, blood pouring from the wound. Their eyes were wide as they watched you stumble to the ground. 

Tears filled their eyes as some of them let out shouts of pain. You were dying in front of them and they couldn’t run to you. They couldn’t help you. They couldn’t save you. 

You took your final breaths, looking up at the ceiling. It was finally over. You did it. You had killed the being and you were now in your own body, feeling everything as you bled out. You wondered if this was really the end or if you would wake up outside of the videogame. Then everything faded white.

*

Tears stained everyone’s cheeks as they exited the videogame. It was all fake right, you weren’t - you couldn’t be dead. They woke up in the cafeteria and they immediately scanned the area for you. But you weren’t there - at least, you weren’t standing there.

They immediately scattered, looking around the cafeteria for you. Belphie and Beel were the first to find you. Your body was on the ground, your eyes closed. Their hearts dropped for a moment as Belphie called, “Over here.” They were too scared to approach you. Too scared to find out you were really dead.

Mammon was the first to reach you, pulling you into his lap. “Please don’t be dead,” he whispered as he gently cradled you. Satan was the next to come, crouching down next to you, and gently placing his fingers on the side of your neck. 

He held his breath until he felt your steady pulse beating against his fingers. He let out a breath of relief and locked eyes with Mammon for a moment before announcing to everyone else, “She’s alive.”

After finding out you were alive, the group decided to move you to your room so you would be more comfortable as you rested.

Lucifer told the others that he would be the one to watch over you as you slept. He wanted - needed - to be there.

When the others left the room, he finally let his calm image fade away. He sat down next to you on the bed as his true emotions began to show themselves. His eyes were filled with sorrow as he took your hand in his. 

Lucifer had been genuinely terrified in that video game. He wasn’t scared of dying himself. But, watching you die before his eyes was something he couldn’t handle. As he watched the life leave you, flashbacks of your time together ran through his mind. He realized just how much he loved you and how he couldn’t live without you.

He turned your arm over and placed his fingers on your wrist. He wanted to feel your pulse himself. The tension in his shoulders was slightly relieved when he felt it beat underneath his fingers. You were alive. 

Lucifer’s eyes were trained on your wrist, willing himself to focus on the feeling of you being alive rather than letting the terrible thoughts he had take over. He couldn’t afford to fall apart. He needed to be here for you.

You let out a small groan as your eyes fluttered open. Lucifer turned his attention to watching your face when you began to stir. He felt like he couldn’t breathe as your eyes locked with his. Your eyebrows knitted together for a moment as you asked, “Lucifer?”

Lucifer couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face. You were awake. You were talking. Lucifer gripped your hand in his even tighter, willing himself to say something. To say anything, but he was torn.

He wanted to apologize a hundred times over for not being there to protect you. He wanted to thank you for saving their lives; but, he also wanted to scold you for endangering your own. And more than anything, he wanted to tell you how much he loved you.

He wanted to pull you into his arms and hold you close to him as he told you over and over again. But, his body refused to move and his mouth refused to speak, the shock of everything that had happened finally taking effect.

You could see the internal conflict Lucifer was going through, and you gently placed your hand on his cheek. He immediately leaned into your touch, allowing himself to be vulnerable in front of you.

He gently curled his fingers around your wrist, keeping you from moving. This is what he needed to assure himself that you were okay. You knew he needed this. He needed a moment where he could let his feelings show without having to portray a perfect image.

“So, when does the lecture start?” you asked after a moment. Lucifer let out a small chuckle, shifting in the bed to be even closer to you. “Tomorrow. I want you to be well-rested for it,” he replied and you smiled in response. Rest.

You hated the idea of it, afraid to fall asleep after everything that had happened. You wanted to stay awake so you could ensure you were in control of your body. But you knew it was impossible to stay awake forever.

“Would you stay with me tonight?” you asked Lucifer, and he could see the hint of fear in your eyes. He agreed in an instant, hoping you would ask him that because the truth was he didn’t want to leave you.

He got comfortable in the bed with you, holding you close. He promised himself he would always be there in the future to ensure you never got hurt again.

Mammon was a wreck. He had been a wreck since the moment he found out something was possessing your body. He blamed it on himself more than anything. He saw you get your first headache and he brushed it off. He told you he would protect you and then didn’t do anything to help.

How could he have been so careless? How could he have let this happen? He was sure his brothers didn’t want to leave him alone with you. If something happened, he probably wouldn’t be able to help. But, he refused to leave your side. His human was hurt and he was going to be there every second until you were better.

He sat down beside the bed on a chair. He leaned forward, resting his arm on the bed and placing his head on top of it so that he could watch you as you rested. He interlaced his other hand with yours, thankful when he felt it was warm and not cold.

“Please wake up,” he whispered. He hadn’t stopped whispering that phrase since his brothers left him alone with you. It was as if he believed it was a chant that would take effect if he repeated it enough. 

He just wanted you to open your eyes. He wanted to know that you were there with him and not some being. He already knew the image of you being possessed was one that would haunt him at night, ensuring his dreams were only nightmares. But, he would endure them, as long as when he woke up it was to the real you.

You let out a small gasp as your eyes shot open. Mammon immediately sat up at the noise and watched you intently. You blinked a few times, trying to understand where you were. Mammon was frozen in shock for a moment that you were actually awake. But, as soon as he saw you begin to blink, his arms flew around you, pulling you into a hug. 

You let out a small startled noise but relaxed when you realized who it was. “I’m sorry,” he said barely above a whisper as he pulled away. You furrowed your eyebrows in confusion and he told you, “I’m sorry I didn’t protect ya’. It was my job as you’re first, and-.”

You could tell Mammon was about to go into a long ramble and you stopped him by gently placing your finger against his lips to shush him. His eyes were wide as he looked at you. You were looking at him with the same love and adoration you always had and he memorized the way your eyes looked. The kindness in them replacing the images of when they held hatred towards him.

“There was nothing you could have done, Mammon. What’s important is that we’re both here and we’re both okay,” you told him. You then gently pulled him into the bed with you and he let you. He would do anything and everything you wanted him to.

He laid down in the bed and you laid on his shoulder, placing one arm over him. You could hear his heart racing and you could see him trying to hide the blush he had. You leaned forward and placed a kiss on his jaw. He was flustered, but he willed himself to not freak out. Even if he would never voice it, he wanted to be here with you and he wasn’t going to let his tsundere tendencies keep him from taking care of you.

As you laid next to him, Mammon’s mind couldn’t help but go back to the video game and the dream that the being put him in. He didn’t need the casino or all the winnings. You were enough. He knew that as long as he had you, he wouldn’t need anything else. 

Levi was panicking as he waited for you to wake up. His brothers were all incredibly mad at him for what happened. It was his fault after all that they all winded up in the video game. It was his fault that you got hurt.

Lucifer wanted to send him to his room right away, but for once, Levi put his foot down. He was terrified of the consequences, but he wasn’t going to leave your side. He felt guilty for everything that had happened and needed to make sure you were okay himself.

Lucifer hated being defied by anyone; but, the fact that it was Levi who did it surprised him. He could see how much this meant to his brother so he allowed him to stay with you until you woke up. Then he would be properly punished.

But as he was sitting in the room with you, Levi was beginning to regret his decision. He started to think that it would have been better if he had just gone to his room and locked himself away forever. 

You probably hated him. You had just been trying to help Diavolo with the event. Instead, you wound up in a video game and got hurt. Why didn’t he read the instructions? He should have known from previous experiences. He had just been so excited.

He began to pace the room as his insecurities built up inside him more and more. Would you be mad if you saw him there when you woke up? He just wanted to be there for you, but would you even let him after what happened? Maybe it would be better if he just left and asked one of his brothers to stay with you.

Just as he was debating if he should leave or not, your voice suddenly pulled him from his thoughts. “Levi?” you asked. He jumped slightly as he turned to face the bed. You were awake? When did that happen?

“Y/N,” Levi began, racing to the bed and sitting down next to you. “I’m so sorry for everything that happened,” he said, a frown on his lips. “It’s not your fault, Levi. I wanted to play the game too,” you replied. 

You could see how surprised he was at your answer. Had he been expecting you to wake up and yell at him? You decided to try and help reassure him further by telling him, “I’m glad you’re here, Levi.”

Now, he was shocked. “You…are?” he asked. You nodded your head giving him a small smile and a +blush coated his cheeks. His thoughts immediately shifted from self-deprecation to what he could do to make you feel better.

“Do you want to watch an anime? Or I could read you some manga? Or I could play a game for you- a NON-horror game,” Levi suggested, his mind thinking back to the things he saw in his dream. He was hoping you would still want to do any of those things with him. 

“Sure, Levi,”  you replied with a smile, and before you could even tell him what you wanted to do, he disappeared. He ran to his room to grab everything he could. He wanted to bring you everything you could want to do. He wanted to do anything he could to make you happy.

Satan let out a small sigh as he looked over your features. He placed his hand on your neck once again, feeling your pulse. It had been the twentieth time in the last hour that he had done it, but after what he saw in the labyrinth, he didn’t want to take any chances. 

He sent a longing look to the books on the ground next to him. He had brought them from his room, determined not to leave your side until you were awake. But, he couldn’t bring himself to read any of them. 

Every time he reached for one, he was reminded of the fake world the being put him in and his heart was filled with sadness as his eyes went back to your sleeping form. He needed you to be okay.

He watched you touch the orb on the wall. Why didn’t he stop you? He knew you were in a horror game. He knew danger could be lurking around any corner, so why did he just stand by and idly watch as you endangered yourself?

He had already moved from sitting next to the bed in a chair to sitting on the bed right next to you. But, now even this spot wasn’t enough for him. He gently shifted your body in the bed before picking your head up and placing it in his lap. 

He looked down at you and cupped your cheek before gently rubbing his thumb over your cheekbone. He studied every single one of your features, noticing how different they looked now that your body was free from the evil spirit.

Your skin tone was warm and there was a slight pink to your cheeks, making you look healthy and alive. Your eyes, even though they were closed, looked peaceful; and, even your lips looked softer. He spent an extra second looking at them, remembering the kiss you gave him in his dream.

Your eyes suddenly fluttered open, meeting his green ones. You furrowed your eyebrows slightly, confused as to how you got here and Satan understood. “When you-,” he began, but he couldn’t say the words. He hated the image they brought of what happened in the labyrinth.

“When the game ended, we were all transported back to the Devildom. You were still asleep so we brought you to your room,” he explained. “I remember what you said,” you told him and now it was Satan’s turn to look confused.

“I could still see and hear everything, and I heard you tell it - well, me - that you would never turn on me,” you stated. Satan nodded his head and replied, “I meant it.” “I know, I believe you,” you responded with a small smile.

There was a moment of silence and you asked, “Would you read to me?” Satan was slightly surprised by the question but excited nonetheless. You handed him one of the books from the ground and he pulled you further into his lap. 

Your head rested in the crook of his neck as his arms wrapped around you, his deep voice bringing the words on the pages to life. You were beginning to fall asleep when you said, “I remember the dream too, you know.”

Satan froze, a blush rising to his cheeks. “You saw that?” he asked, his heart now racing. You nodded your head before telling him, “It’s nice.” Satan suddenly realized that the current scenario the two of you were in mimicked the dream, except it was real. Satan smiled to himself, pulling you closer. He never wanted to let you go.

Asmo not only refused to leave your side, he refused to leave the bed. He wanted to be as close to you as he could. So, as soon as they laid your body in the bed, he climbed in right alongside you. The others protested at first, but when they realized Asmo wasn’t going to move, they left. 

As soon as they were gone, Asmo was doing everything he could to wake you up. He pulled you into a hug, whispering things into your ear to try and get you to wake up. When that didn’t work, he gently stroked your hair. Then he moved to trying to kiss your nose and your cheeks and your forehead. But at the end of it all, you still stayed asleep.

Asmo let out a sigh when you didn’t stir and worry filled every inch of his features. Why wouldn’t you wake up? He knew at this rate he was going to get worry lines, but for the first time, he didn’t care. 

You had protected them. You sacrificed yourself to save them. He watched as you bled out in front of them. None of them were able to do anything about it. And, it was killing him. The memory of you dying was driving him crazy and he needed you to wake up and erase it. 

He pulled you into him. Your forehead was pressed against his chest as his head rested on top of yours. The smell of his perfume overwhelmed your senses, causing you to stir slightly as your eyes fluttered open to find out what that amazing scent was.

When you opened your eyes, you saw that you were point blank with someone’s chest and there was only one person you knew who had that perfume.

“Asmo?” you questioned. Did he just hear you say his name? Asmo immediately pulled back so that he could look at you. He gently cradled your head as his eyes met with yours. His heart immediately swelled with joy.

“You’re awake!” he said happily, peppering even more kisses on your face. “You scared me,” he told you after a few more kisses. “I’m sorry,” you replied and Asmo shook his head. “Don’t apologize! I’m the one who should be saying sorry. I’m sorry I didn’t notice what was going on sooner, and thank you for saving us,” he replied.

“You’re too pretty to kill,” you teased and Asmo smiled at you. He tucked a strand of hair behind your ear, and you noticed him holding back from something. “What is it?” you asked him. Asmo hesitated for a moment before speaking what was on his mind. 

“Possessed or not, if you ever proposition me like that again Y/N, I won’t be able to hold back next time,” Asmo told you, giving you a charming and innocent smile. You immediately blushed at his words, hiding your face in his chest and he pulled you further into him, enjoying the feeling of your touch.

It was true that his mind had been running rampant with images since that moment in the labyrinth. But, the important thing was that you were there with him. He had a chance at creating the happiness he had gotten a glimpse of with you, and he was going to do everything in his power to make it a reality.

Beel was starving to death, but his sadness was outweighing the pain. His brothers were surprised when Beel asked to stay behind with you instead of going to get food. He hadn’t eaten all day and they could hear his stomach let out inhumane growls.

But after watching you die in front of him in the video game, he couldn’t imagine something happening to you while he was eating. He needed to be here with you.

Belphie took sympathy on his brother, bringing him some food, but he knew it wasn’t enough to satiate his hunger. He would have to leave at some point or it wouldn’t be good for anyone. Belphie tried to tell Beel this, but Beel ignored him. He wasn’t leaving. 

He was the first one to notice when you got your headache. He should have said something to the others. Mammon had been there too, but he didn’t take it seriously. So, Beel thought it would be okay. 

It was just like when he heard the banshee scream before Lilith died. He saw the signs - he got a warning before something bad happened. But, he didn’t do anything about it. And because of that, he had to watch you die in front of him - just like Lilith did.

Tears streamed down Beel’s cheeks as he watched you sleep. Satan told him you would wake up, but he wouldn’t believe it until you opened your eyes. Until you could talk to him and tell him you were okay. Until you could hug him back.

He was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he didn’t hear a quiet voice ask, “Beel?” You had woken up to the large demon sitting on the bed next to you, staring at you. You tried calling out to him, but he was completely zoned out.

“Beel?” you asked again, a bit louder. This time he heard you and he snapped out of his thoughts, his eyes widening when he saw you staring at him. You could see how worried he had been and the streaks where the tears had fallen. You gave him a small smile before saying, “I’m okay.”

The crushing pressure Beel had been feeling was immediately released as you said the words he needed you to say. He opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out. Suddenly, a large growl filled the silence of the room.

You stared at Beel for a moment before asking, “Do you want to go get some food?” His eyes lit up as he carefully scooped you into his arms. He brought you into the kitchen carefully setting you down. His brothers had been nice enough to leave him all of their leftovers so the prep time was short.

You rested against Beel as he ate a tremendous amount of food. You knew he didn’t want to part from you, but he needed to eat so this seemed like the best option. When he was finally done he brought you back up to your room and decided to stay with you for the rest of the night.

He made sure to touch you every so often. He would hold your hand, or stroke your cheek. He would hug you or run his fingers through your hair. Anything he could do to remind himself that you were real.

Watching you die hit Belphie hard. The last time he watched as the life drained out of your body, it was by his hands; and the dark memories haven’t left him alone since the video game ended. He hated himself for hurting you. He did everything he could to move past it, but the events that happened that day made it hard for him to forget.

After he grew to know you, he swore he would never let harm come to you again. But, he broke that promise. He didn’t stop you from getting taken over, and he didn’t stop you from sacrificing yourself to save them. Why did you do it? Did you love them all that much?

Belphie had been sitting in a chair next to the bed for a while but grew tired of it. He moved to the bed, lying down next to you. He laid facing you, listening to each breath you took. “I thought napping was my thing,” he told you with a small smirk, waiting for you to come back with some snarky comment.

His face fell when he realized you weren’t going to respond. His mind flashed back to the fabricated world. A world in which you wanted to be with him and only him. A world in which the two of you were going to go into an eternal slumber so that you could be together forever.

“You weren’t supposed to fall asleep without me,” Belphie stated, moving closer to you. He laid his head on you wrapping his arms around you to pull you closer. “I don’t want to fall asleep if it’s not with you,” he whispered. It was a small confession of his love for you, but he was hoping it would be enough to stir you awake.

You mumbled something incoherent and Belphie moved his head up to stare at you. Did he imagine that? You mumbled once more, turning towards Belphie. You opened your eyes and a slight blush coated your cheeks as your face was only a couple of inches from his.

Belphie smiled as he saw you looking at him. “Good morning,” you muttered with a sleepy smile. Belphie touched his forehead against yours, closing his eyes. “You’re not allowed to leave me ever again,” Belphie stated, his arms tightening around you.

You nodded your head and told him, “I won’t.” Belphie let out a content sigh at your words and in an instant, shifted positions so that he was lying on top of you, cuddling into you. “Belphie? What are you doing?” you asked him, gently running your fingers through his hair.

“You got your nap in. Now I’m getting mine,” he replied with a cheeky smile. The truth was he just wanted to be close to you. To hear your heartbeat as his head was pressed to your chest. He could stay like this forever, with the two of you holding each other.

[chaoticnezz]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~You hummed a familiar tune that you had heard one day on your walk to the store. You let a small huff of relief slip between your lips. 'im glad that nobody's here.'

Earlier their was a fight in the hallway, as you were going to the music to enjoy your free period you had got caught in the crowd. You had barely managed to slip through into a quieter hallway.

The bad news was that this was an unknown hallway to you, sure you've been going here for about a year and a half, but this school was huge so you haven't seen all of it.

You felt your fingers move along the groves of the wall, As you tried to find someone to ask for direction to hallway 1-C. As you walked further down the hall you heard a frustrated grunt followed by the sound of paper being crumbled.

You followed the sound, letting curiosity get the best of you. Stoping at a partially cracked door, you gently opened the door and steeping inside the room.

A head snapped in your direction. Your e/c eyes Locked with a pair of teal eyes. You examined the stranger, he had red hair with some teal tips sprinkled around, accompanied by teal eyes.

You inhaled a small puff of air. "I'm sorry for disrupting you." The strangers glare softened. "It's alright, so what brings you to the art room."

He set down the pencil that you now realized that he was holding. "I heard paper being crumpled, and I'm also kinda lost." The strangers face relaxed Even more as he let a small snicker escape his lips.

"Really? Well where do you need to go I could show you the way." The tips of your ears had turned a bit red (or whatever color you have for blush.) From being laughed at.

"Well I need to go to the music room." "Alright I'll show you the way, my name's sora M by the way." "Well Sora I'm Y/n L/n."

Sora stood up from his seat at the desk. You now realized that Sora was a good foot or so taller then you. Sora walked out of the now opened door.

As the two of you walked down the school halls a question lingered in you mind. "Why exactly were you crumpling up paper.

"Well I was struggling to draw one of my model photos." Sora let out a sigh as he rubbed the back of his head. "Oh, well maybe you just need a new model."

"Maybe your right thanks for the help Y/n." The two of you began to continue down the halls in silence. The silence would have been nice if their wasn't this weird feeling crawling up your spine.

That feeling never disappeared even after a couple of weeks.

But here you were waiting in the art room for Sora. He asked you to help him with his art project. The doors soon slid open and soon in came Sora.

"Sorry I'm a bit late I had to stay after class to help a teacher." "It's alright, so what did you want me to help you with."

"Well I need someone to model for me but." "But what?" You hoped off the windowsill and stared at Sora, pure curiosity filled your eyes.

"I'd rather have someone to keep me company forever." "What" you backed away from Sora not liking how his tone of voice changed.

Sora stepped closer to you each time you took a step back. And soon you were backed into a corner. You began to throw punches and kicks trying to keep Sora away from you.

"I don't like violence, angel please don't make me do this." That was the last thing you heard before getting knocked unconscious.

[bantersnatch]

welcome back to the madness, friends. as i do every time we get an appearance from bianca, i'm going to break down the new lore -- which is a lot more than usual, this week. not only did we get our first spoken lines from our favorite producer, we got a lot of information about her dad and her home life with host!vic. so... let's get into it!

i'm actually going to start out with an inventory of all our new information about bianca's father, aka the host's husband:

his full name is "david michaelis". this means i have something to write on the dolls i'm burning in effigy! yay.

he travels a lot for business -- he was a small business owner, but he "sold to a bigger business". this seems to confirm my speculation about the host's husband being wealthy.

he is one of ta'tania's regular suitors/clients (and thus cheating on the host in spectacular fashion), and has a thing for ketchup/squished tomatoes; he has talked about the host to ta'tania as well as requesting ta'tania dress in a suit like theirs during their sessions. i am violently holding myself back from kink-shaming this man.

the host has not seen him in six months. six months.

about bianca, we've learned:

she "hang[s] out all the time" with ta'tania. (learning this distresses the host to the point that their professionalism slips substantially; even hearing about their husband's cheating didn't prompt such a strong reaction, interestingly.)

the host has asked bianca to spend time with them, including a trip to new york city together. she has repeatedly declined -- despite planning her own trips. she and the host are sufficiently divorced from each others' schedules that the host had no knowledge of her trips to nyc (despite the fact that they live in the same house. alone with just each other. again, for six months).

bianca has explicitly asked the host to only use her full name rather than the familiar nickname "b".

we now have a clearer sense of the dynamic between bianca and the host: the host seems desperate for a closer relationship (perhaps in a bid to resolve the curse they received in season 1?), but bianca repeatedly and firmly shuts them down with thinly veiled irritation.

below the cut, i'll outline some of the questions raised by this episode in the interest of getting people's theory-brains going. do i have any answers...? nope.

so -- there's a lot going on here. let's take a look.

what is the nature of bianca and ta'tania's relationship? is bianca a suitor of hers? are they friends? if they met through david, is his relationship with ta'tania tight enough that he wanted her to "meet the family", or did he instead refer his favorite dominatrix to his daughter?? is it all a coincidence and this nyc-based fairy just happens to be particularly popular with this la-based family?

what specific kind of business is david in? when vic gets vague, i get suspicious that they're hinting at written-down lore.

six months. that's so long. this isn't a question i just feel like it bears repeating.

why does bianca dislike and reject the host so strongly? is it just a matter of them being an abusive boss with terrible politics and a personality that is, and i say this affectionately, bad? well... maybe. maybe. but with vic michaelis and talia tabin, i don't know if anything can be that simple.

if the host's investment in bianca liking them is motivated by trying to fix their relationship and thus the curse, how is the curse concretely manifesting? the episode where they receive it hints at a "crumbling life" and a monstrous transformation, and we certainly are seeing the former -- but it also seems like the host's life has been in a state of complete disaster and ruin from childhood to now, so i'm not sure if the current state of affairs would feel too new to them.

that's all i have for this post! if you have anything to add in terms of analysis, theories, or details i missed, please feel free to add on.

[iimplicitt]

HELLGIRL PT.1 | CL16

pairing: prof. charles leclerc x sainz’s younger sister/student

summary: when a body is found in the snow on campus there’s a ripple of unease that floats over the university of london. dr leclerc always considered himself a rational man. however, that all came crumbling down when someone he believed to be dead showed up in his office doorway.

warnings/topics: slight age gap but both are of age, secret relationship, eventual smut, mentions of death, depictions of violence, stalking, obsession, potentially paranormal, religious allusions, controversial prof!xstudent! relationship, mentions of certain mental conditions such as borderline personality disorder, narcissism, antisocial, etc.

songs for this series

a/n: first, anything from charles’ pov is based in the present. anything in sister! sainz’s pov is in the past. second, this in no way shape or form is based off reality or charles’ personality. this is an au with darker themes and it’s all for the plot. i already had a similar idea going but i recently had to write a paper on the association between stalking and a diagnosis of BDP and/or narcissistic traits or disorders (this does not mean they’re correlated), so i was feeling motivated. this is also not meant to romanticize anything, i purely find it interesting and challenging to write. i also feel it goes without saying that this sibling of carlos is completely fictional

enjoy <3

Charles

When they found her body in the early hours of that morning, a heavy sense of trepidation fell over the campus. Making the snow and wind seem just a bit more bitter than usual, nipping at any exposed skin as if microscopic needles were shooting through the air. It was still so early, the police tape freshly put up, taught against the winter weather and the snow was multicoloured as it soaked up the Christmas lights strung up around the university. The crowd was small at the moment, those who got to campus far too early were the only ones standing by the perimeter set by the police.

“What’ve they found?” Dr. Adlterton asked as her boots came to a stop next to his as they crunched through the fresh snow, steam billowing out from the lid of her to-go coffee cup as she raised it to her lips.

Charles looked down at her briefly, brows furrowing a bit before forcing his eyes forward again as the police began setting up a tent over a spot in the snow. “A body, I believe.”

His colleague’s hand froze just as she was about to take a sip, blinking rapidly before trying to crane her neck higher to get a better look, but the police were making quick work on privatising the crime scene. He bit the inside of his cheek as he observed her, finding her curiosity a bit macabre but he understood. Everyone standing out in the snow at that moment was curious. Clearly a tragedy had happened, but the mystery around who exactly tended to cloud any sympathy for the poor thing lying in the snow.

“Do they have any idea who it is? What might’ve happened? Who found the body?” The questions tumbled out of Dr. Alderton’s mouth, her coffee returning to her lips as she finally took a sip and he watched as her red lipstick stained the lid.

Charles sighed, running a gloved hand through his now damp hair as snow began to soak into it. “I don’t know, but you don’t seem very concerned. What if it was a student or a faculty member?” She rolled her eyes at him and he bit the inside of his cheek again as he looked down at her. He wasn’t overly fond of the woman. If she wasn’t able to dissect something she didn’t tend to be a fan of it. Much less spend any time in its company.

“Dr. Leclerc, of course I’m concerned. But what do you expect from me? I run the crime science department. This is an excellent learning opportunity–”

“Someone’s demise is a learning opportunity?”

She waved him off. “All of you in the arts are so touchy. It’s part of my job to compartamentalise.” She raised up on her toes one more time in an effort to get a look but it was no use. The tent was up and closed, police filtering in and out as more arrived along with investigators and the forensics division. She sighed and took another drink of her coffee. “I’m sure there will be an email about this. See you around.” She patted him on the shoulder before walking off.

Charles frowned at the spot she had touched him, feeling even colder than before despite the sun finally rearing its head and peeking out through the dense clouds. He shivered, the cold feeling different all of the sudden, almost as if someone was hovering over him and casting him in a shadow of frost.

He shook his head but his bones felt stiff regardless. Giving the area one last look himself, he turned on his heel and left as more people arrived, mostly students at that point.

His polished leather shoes clicked along the pavement as he walked with expertise on avoiding ice, nodding and smiling at those who greeted him. Most of the student body he was sure had no idea what was taking place in front of the Royal Holloway building. He was sure it would be leaking into the press any minute, however.

Charles tried to go on with his day as normal, death was a common event that happened every minute around the world. However, the fact it was simply so close was off putting. Bodies weren’t found on university campuses, at least not often. Especially not here.

He had gotten done with his third lecture for the day and was walking back to his office when he noticed people were beginning to look at him a bit different. Faces looking forlorn and unsure how to approach him. The complete opposite of how people typically acted towards him. Usually he was a magnet for socialisation. People lit up when they saw him because Charles was someone who always knew how to make good conversation. He knew how to make people feel important. He knew exactly what to do to make someone feel needed, and that was one of the most important things in the world. People needed purpose, and he was perfect at giving them one.

When the fifth person looked at him in that off putting way, courage must have gripped them because they came to a stop and whispered, “I am so sorry.”

“Pardon?” He blinked at the boy who was in one of his French Literature classes. Surprised to see him given they didn't have their next class for two more days. Only a few of his students actually liked to linger or catch up with him on course work. Although he was well liked, he wasn’t exactly easy on the workload he handed out.

The boy rubbed at his neck, not meeting Charles' eyes. “You don’t know?”

Charles lifted one shoulder in a partial shrug but his brows creased as he took in how nervous his student seemed to be. “Is everything alright?”

“It’s her.” He finally blurted. “The body they found, it was that Sainz girl.” The boy’s voice shook as he finally got the words out and Charles froze. Something cold and sickly crawled up his spine and was weaving through his vertebrae, making his nerves itch and he rolled his shoulders. Trying to make his skeleton feel right inside of his body but everything was wrong. Wrong wrong wrong.

“What?” Was all he managed to get out, his voice cracking and his tongue feeling too heavy for his mouth.

He stood still as the boy stepped forward and gave him a hug. In any other scenario it would’ve been awkward, but Charles felt reality disconnect for a moment. Not sure what else was said to him as he continued to stand in the hallway long after he was left alone.

Regret was an odd, painfully human thing. Sure, animals may have the sense of knowing better. Learned aversion after facing certain consequences. But the rotten feeling in his chest as he felt his lungs start to move again was purely human and simply awful. He pinched the bridge of his nose and he tightly shut his eyes, willing the pit in his stomach to go away.

God, what was he supposed to say to Carlos? He was sure he would be getting a call at some point. Or should he call first? Perhaps the former was better, letting his best friend come to him when he was ready.

Mourning had no timeline, he knew that. And everyone handled it in different ways, he just hoped whatever creature comfort he could muster up would be sufficient enough to abate any storms of curiosity. He didn’t have to feign any heartache, though.

She was everything to him.

That’s funny.

Charles’ head whipped around as chills ravished his skin, the reaction so sudden it nearly hurt as his flesh prickled up at the sound of the voice. Her voice. He blinked rapidly down the hallway but it was empty and well lit, nothing was lurking in the shadows. Not that there would be. That would be ridiculous.

Trying to shake some sense into him, he turned around but stopped short at the figure leaning against the doorway of his office. All too familiar, yet foreign. His breath was ripped out of him along with his ability to speak as he stared at her in horror. His eyes couldn’t adjust as she wavered. Steady but not quite right all that once.

She smiled slightly, those lips of hers pulled back in the coy smile he had adored so much. Her eyes though, they were off. Empty almost, yet equally heavy with a weight of something more. His own eyes flicked down, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. Taking in her torn tights and her askew sweater hanging lazily over one shoulder. The pretty red one he had bought her for Christmas last year. Charles’ gaze danced over her necklace and landed on her slender neck that was coloured a faint, translucent vision of blues and purples.

He couldn’t quite remember if he had put them there in lust or in violence.

Is there really a difference?

Her voice swirled around in his head as they left her mouth and echoed, his ears began to ring as he stumbled away from her and slid to the floor. “How-” he finally managed to choke out, staring up at her and frightened he was having some sort of psychotic break.

She sighed, though no air was disturbed and she leaned down to meet his eyes, her dark hair falling over her shoulders and just barely brushing against his skin. Not quite touching but he could feel it. Feel her. She was so cold. Her eyes danced between his, her lips tugged downward and brows furrowed. Even now he was completely taken by her, looking as if she was personally crafted by God just for him to admire.

What have you done? She finally asked him, her voice soft yet chilling as her words sunk through his skin, making his bones shiver in a damp chill again like they had earlier this morning. Had that been her?

Before he could even fathom some sort of response a door opened down the hallway and she looked up towards the direction of the sound. Not a moment later she was gone. As if a screen glitched and she fizzled out. Charles could still sense something, though. As if something was now tethered to him. Feeling heavy on his lungs and he was freezing.

Ghosts weren’t real.

They couldn’t be.

tag list: @theonottsbxtch @fortunapre @ashbone @c8lap1nto @taasgirl @stopeatread @dying-inside-but-its-classy (if you’d like to be tagged please let me know!)

[r0tting-rat]

DCA PROMPTOBER 2024

I might have decided to join last minute (I say after finishing crying my eyes out) cuz I'm very brave and confident (I'm not.) I know it's late for day 1 but pls gimme a break :<

Day 1 - Best Friend!

Pairing: Sun & Gender Neutral Reader, can be seen as both platonic and romantic! Warnings: None Words: 1900+ Summary: It's a special day, and you're in for a treat!

Like many other days, you couldn’t understand Sun’s enthusiasm. The daycare attendant had scooped you up the moment you stepped foot in the daycare with your cleaning cart—as you always did every night before closing—then hugged you so tightly you feared for your ribs. As usual, he began to ask you questions about your day, asking if you had eaten anything new or if you had any new pics of your pet to show him, but he completely threw you off guard when he proceeded to beg you to put on a blindfold and follow him out of the daycare, which you refused with a decisive shake of the head. 

-Nuh-uh,- you replied.

-What do you mean “nuh-uh”?!- Sun crumbled to the floor, on his knees, with his hands joined together in prayer and his big, milky eyes staring at you in despair. 

-I mean nuh-uh! I’m not coming with you, not yet at least.- You waved your cleaning rug in front of his face, pretending to wash dirt off his flat head. -I have a job to do! Remember?-

Your “job” consisted of slipping inside the pizzaplex after everyone had left, cleaning off all the gunk children and adults alike left on tables and inside the attractions, then slipping back out before closing time. Very simple, very stressful and equally tiring. You were one of many, your assigned areas were the Daycare and Monty Golf, but the former always took you more time to clean despite having less work to do. The reason behind that? The animatronic before you. You had befriended the daycare attendant, a few weeks before, mainly because you pitied him. Always so lonely, left with nothing to do, with no children to care for and no friends to play with. You didn’t regret becoming his friend, not at all, but it was true that you always spent much more time with the robot than you should have. “Do not talk with the animatronics” was kinda company policy. 

Okay, fine, maybe it wasn’t, but your employment contract did say to not stand too close to the robots and interact with them as little as possible, so you were breaking the rules just the tiniest bit, by letting Sun pick you up, hug you, spin you around and etcetera.

Letting yourself be blindfolded and dragged around was way too much though.

-Friend, please! All you actually have to clean is the security desk!- Sun protested, pouting like a child. He was right. The sunny jester was a bit of a cleaning freak, so he always did all the work for you by scrubbing and tidying the entire play area by the time it took you to finish with Monty Golf, leaving you to clean just the area he didn’t have access to.

You crossed your arms over your chest, indecisive. You didn’t want to be blindfolded, at all, and not because you didn’t trust Sun, the idea of it simply made your skin itch. 

…Shit, but he looked so sad! Oh, curse you and your kind heart! With a sigh, you relented, finally giving the jester a small nod. 

-Okay, I’ll come with you,- you agreed, and Sun literally jumped in the air, as bright as his namesake. 

-Yes!- he shouted, ecstatic.

-But,- you were quick to interrupt him, -You let me clean the desk first. Deal?-

You offered Sun one of your hands, which he shook with so much passion your entire body trembled. All the while, a wide grin had opened on his flat, yellow face. 

-I can’t wait to show you my surprise!- he smiled.

You did the best you could to clean efficiently the security desk of the daycare, cleaning coffee stains, peeling away dried pieces of Chica’s Special & Super Elastic Bubble Gum from under the desk and chairs, throwing away pieces of papers and emptying bins, but to your big surprise you found yourself hurrying to get it done. Were you doing that because you were actually kind of curious of what Sun’s surprise could be, or because you wanted to go home as soon as possible? Maybe both, maybe neither. Who could say? Anyway, you finished with your job faster than usual, satisfied, but the moment you turned around all the color drained from your face. 

Sun had twisted himself in some kind of pretzel-like knot, tangling his limbs and lanky body together to create something which reminded you of a horrifying piece of modern art, but as soon as he noticed you looking at him Sun untwisted himself, returning to his usual height and shape. 

-All done, Friend?- he asked, excitedly, as you struggled to get your heart to start beating again. It wasn’t the first time Sun had done something like that, the animatronic liked to get into weird positions when he felt bored, but each time you caught him like that your heart froze. Sun was a very, very, pricey robot and you were constantly scared of management putting you at fault if something were to ever happen to him. Also, you were his friend, and you couldn’t let something bad happen to someone who was so precious—did I mention pricey?—to you.

-Uh, yes, all done,- you nodded, shaking your head to get rid of the bad thoughts, -We can proceed with the… Do you really have to blindfold me?-

At your question Sun nodded eagerly, stepping close as he took a red ribbon out of his pocket. You sighed but didn’t fight him as he began to place the ribbon over your eyes, making sure it was not too tight but tied firmly enough to not allow you to peek. Once he was done, you heard Sun giggle in delight, looking at his magnificent job.

-Wait,- you heard him say, -Something is missing!-

Before you could protest you heard the animatronic scurry off, leaving you in the dark with no reference points, confused and a little scared. You attempted to take a step forward but were quickly stopped by Sun immediately coming back. 

-Here!- he announced, grabbing one of your hands and turning your palm up, so you could hold something that resembled a box for him. You gently shook it and heard many small, plastic things moving inside of it. 

-Are those…?- you began to ask, even more perplexed than before. 

-Yep!- Sun replied, carefully attaching something to your blindfold, one over each of your eyes. -Googly eyes!- 

You wanted to collapse on the floor and stay there, becoming one with the colorful mats of the daycare, but instead you groaned and stood still, allowing the robot to have his fun.

-Can we just go? I don’t have all day, Sun,- you protested, and finally the jester put the little box away, grabbed one of your hands and began to lead you to the large wooden doors of the daycare, walking slowly and carefully.

-We’re gonna have so much fun, Friend,- Sun said, gleefully. You could almost see his beaming smile, ever the bright, despite the blindfold over your eyes. -I’ve made sure everything is simply perfect!-

Despite how tired you were of Sun’s constant cheerfulness, you couldn’t say he didn’t have any effect on you. In fact, you had been smiling a lot more during the last few days. even your coworkers had noticed your good mood. Just staying with Sun was enough to make you smile and laugh, his presence was good for your mental and physical health. In fact, the robot had been taking care of you whenever he noticed that you hadn’t eaten yet, and for some reason he always knew. You were beginning to think he could read your biometrics data. 

You didn’t walk for too much time, in fact you could almost guess where you were headed, which was probably one of the party rooms around the daycare. You decided to stay silent, just to see what Sun would do, and giggled when you felt the hand you were holding begin to vibrate in excitement. Having a robot for a friend was truly fun, sometimes.

-Almost there, Friend!- Sun told you as he began to open one of the doors to the rooms, careful to turn on the lights before entering—why did he always do that, anyway? Sun always refused to tell you where his fear of the dark came from, but seeing how uncomfortable the topic made him you had long stopped asking him about it. -Here, sit.- 

He guided you to a chair, where you gratefully sat, still obediently keeping your googly eyes-adorned blindfold on. You were eager to see the surprise Sun had planned for you, but something told you not to even try to peek. You felt like it would have made the robot rather mad. 

Sun moved something on the table in front of you, mumbling by himself, then stood back. You heard his steps coming to a stop behind your chair, then felt his hands resting on your shoulders. The cold touch of his metal body made you shiver. 

-You can look now, Friend,- Sun whispered in your ear, lacking the previous joy and sounding more… sly?

Excited to see, you quickly took off the blindfold and blinked, trying to readjust to the lights inside the room, and only after a few moments of total confusion you managed to see something. Before you, on the table, was a plate, and on the plate was a huge cupcake of your favorite flavor. You would have recognized those sweet treats everywhere, they were from the Cupcake Shoppe, on the second floor of the pizzaplex. Many times you had passed the area, looking with envy at the baked sweets being sold there, and even more times you had complained to Sun about the bakery not being on the list of places where you could eat your daily free meal, as per your employment contract. When he had asked you why you didn’t just go and buy one, if you really wanted to, you had laughed. 

“-Come on, as good as they look, they are not worth the price.-” You had told him. Yet there it was, the motherfucking cupcake you had been ogling at for the last weeks, right in front of you, with a little candle stuck on top. 

-I would have lit the candle, if my programming didn’t forbid me from handling matches and lighters,- laughed Sun from behind you. Honestly, you didn’t care one bit about the candle, you were just staring at the sweet treat in front of you, dumbfounded. 

-Wh… Why…? How… I…- You couldn’t speak normally anymore, your vocabulary consisted of single muttered words and syllables. 

-Guess what day it is, Friend,- cooed Sun in your ear. You tried to think, but doing so was hard, so you ended up just shaking your head, speechless. At your cluelessness, Sun laughed. 

-On this day, exactly one month ago, we became friends!- he explained to you, and as he bent over his smiling face entered your field of vision. He looked absolutely gleeful. -Do you remember now?-

Your wide eyes ran from his milky ones to the cupcake in front of you, from the big grin of the robot to the unlit candle, which was slowly slipping down thanks to the melting frosting. One month. You had been friends with Sun for just a month, but for some reason it felt like so much more, like, much, much more. Sun’s hands, which had been resting on your shoulders the entire time, squeezed you gently, and they felt oddly warm against your skin. You looked at the daycare attendant and couldn’t stop a smile from forming on your lips. 

-Happy one month anniversary, Best friend,- he said, and you nodded. 

-Happy anniversary to you too, Sun.- 

[mochiwrites]

For the ask game/prompt, mayhaps #1 with Scarian? Could be in canon, one of your AUs, or any other AU you think of lol, no preference ☺️

01. Touch starved/cuddle curse (put that guy in a situation!)

reblogs do more than likes!

"How in the world have you managed this, Scar?!" Grian's indignant voice exclaims, echoing in the small space of Scar's train car. The avian looks down at the man currently pouting at him, a sheepish expression on his face.

"I-I don't know! Joel just gave me this potion thingy and -- and said it would be good for bonding with cOW!" As he speaks, he makes a grabbing motion for Grian, his pout morphing into a pleading look.

Grian pointedly takes a step back from Scar's outreaching arms, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Trusting Joel was your first mistake," he mumbles, sucking in a breath.

"He's a trustworthy fellow!" Scar retorts, "Besides, I don't see what's so bad about this arrangement... all I want to do is cuddle with you."

"That's exactly the problem, Scar!" The feathers of Grian's wings fluff up as he stares at his husband with a firm look. "I have building I have to do! Shops to set up, permits to not do! I also promised Gem I'd help her out with something in a few hours. I can't just stay here with you all day."

Scar's pleading expression only becomes stronger, his green eyes looking shiny as he stares up at Grian from where he sits on his head. "Please, lovebird? Just for a little bit?" He makes another grabbing motion for Grian, who finds his resolve rapidly crumbling the longer he looks at Scar.

"Nuh uh mister, I know exactly how this sort of thing goes. We both know it won't just be 'for a little bit,'" he answers. Grian's making any desperate attempts at keeping his denial firm.

But... he could just tell Gem he'd be around tomorrow. And it's not like the Permit Office is really ever open. They're only sometimes there to help anyway. And he still hasn't come up with any ideas for his mushroom stem shop.

"I promise this time I'll stick to it! Only a few hours, I swear on my hat!" Scar exclaims, eagerly nodding.

"Where have I heard that one before," Grian mumbles under his breath, fondness written into each and every word. He lets out a little sigh, "Alright, alright, fine. But only for a few hours! Let's hope this... cuddle affliction has run its course by then."

He takes a step toward Scar, and the moment he's close enough, a hand jumps out to grab hold of his wrist. Grian yelps as he's pulled right into Scar's lap, arms slinging around his waist. He steadies himself by gripping Scar's shoulders, finding the love of his life grinning at him.

"You should know I always want to cuddle with you." Scar shoots him a cheeky little wink, making Grian roll his eyes, a small smile upon his lips. "You just fit in my arms so perfectly!"

"Maybe that's just because you're a giant," Grian huffs, getting settled in Scar's hold. He moves to lay his head on Scar's shoulder, tucking it within the crook of his neck. "You're like one big teddy bear."

Scar squeezes him lightly, one of his hands moving to rest against the small of his back, right in between his feathers. The contact leaves Grian melting right into him with a content noise. "Am I a cute teddy bear?"

Grian snorts at him.

"It's the most important question I've ever asked you next to proposing, Grian!" Scar gasps in return, a serious look in his eyes. His green eyes sparkle with mirth, and pressed against him like this, Grian can feel the way his chest rumbles with hidden laughter. "I have to know if I'm a cute teddy bear!"

"Yes Scar," Grian sighs fondly, pulling back to hold the man's face in his hands, "you're a very cute teddy bear." He accentuates his response with a kiss to Scar's nose, "Although Jellie is cuter."

Scar makes some kind of ecstatic noise, pulling Grian down into bed as he rolls onto his side. Grian squawks at the sudden action, just narrowly avoiding his wings getting squished. "But of course! No one is cuter than Jellie. You come in a close second place though."

If it were anyone but Jellie, Grian would have complained.

Instead, he snuggles in close to Scar, wrapping a wing around him as they fall into a comfortable silence. Scar's arms are secure around him, and Grian thinks he'd be fine with laying here all day, wrapped in his husband's arms.

"Remember Scar, only for a few hours."

"Right, right! Only a few hours. Or until this cuddle curse goes away!"

(They go well over 'a few hours' together. Grian's communicator pings a few times, but it sounds almost silent over the pair's easy breaths as they sleep.)

[reyla-the-black-wolf]

My heart speaks for you (Part 2)

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Pairing: Eris x f!reader

Word Count: 3.6k

Warnings: angsty fluff?, angst, hints of anxiety, anxiety attack, nightmare

Summary: Y/n is the youngest child of the High Lord of the Night Court and lives a slightly different life than the rest of her family. But what happens, when an unexpected visitor enters the stage and decides to completely change her life?

A/N: Hey guys! It took me a bit longer to write this chapter than I had planned to (accidentally deleted a part of the story ups) but finally did it! And I recommend you listen to "Remember that night" by Sara Kays and "The night we met" by Lord Huron.

Anyway, enjoy reading! 😙

Part 1 ⎮Part 2 ⎮Part 3⎮Part 4⎮

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Six days. Six days had passed since the incident in the conference room. Six tough days and not a single glimpse of him. No word, no letter, no message of any kind.

The water of the Sidra washed up on the shore in mesmerising waves, each time stealing a bit more of the glittering sand. Sunlight reflected off the mirrored surface, magically illuminating the facade of the River House. 

The hammock I sat in swayed gently in the afternoon breeze and, thanks to Elain, the sun didn´t bother me too much. My aunt had planted two Illyrian oaks in our garden the year I was born, providing shade now that they had grown from tiny sprouts into strong, sturdy trees. As I became older, I found my favourite reading spot underneath them. They stood a few feet from the River House and were the perfect place to relax and simply be. 

A piece of bark crumbled onto the pages of the book I was holding right now. `Feathers and Fire´ was written in large, ornate letters on the leather-bound cover. Nesta had borrowed me one of her novels to keep me company, as I had spent the last few days mostly by myself. 

I give up! After reading the same paragraph for the third time in a row, I finally slammed the book shut. I had really tried to concentrate on the story in the last hour, but my mind had drifted off more than once. And always back to the same place. 

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I was in shock. Or so I thought, as I couldn´t think clearly. My mind was racing and my heart was pounding so loudly that all of Velaris must´ve heard it.

Mate. Eris Vanserra was my mate. 

I couldn´t believe it. I mean, he doesn´t even know me?

The beige sofa under my legs felt too soft, as if it wanted to pull me into a hug and never let go. And the ticking clock on the opposite wall made my ears twitch in annoyance, so I decided to get up and pace around the living room, trying to quiet my mind. I was massaging my temples to ground myself a little when a soft touch stopped me in my tracks. Small, gentle fingers starting to trail along my shoulder in a soothing rhythm. 

„Sweetheart, look at me, please.“ My mother´s calm voice made me turn to her. „Everything´s going to be all right.“ She radiated pure love. „Whatever happens next, I want you to know you´re not alone. I´m here for you, okay, honey?“ It helped slow down my racing heart a little, but not enough. I sincerely hoped my father and his brothers hadn´t beaten Eris to death just out of anger. 

Just as I thought of them, three men winnowed into the living room. With long strides, my father rushed towards me, some of his darkness still clinging onto him, and cupped my face with both hands. „Darling, are you all right? Are you hurt? Do you need anything?“ He asked worriedly as he inspected me for any injuries, whatever he was looking for. 

I withdrew from his grasp, spun around once to show him I was fine, and put on my most reassuring smile to calm his worries, making his tensed muscles relax. „I´m so sorry. I never wanted you to see this.“ Regret seeped into his voice. „But…“ He paused, visibly struggling to find his next words. „Did the bond snap for you too?“ The question caught me entirely off guard, as I thought he was angry with me, trying to argue. I could almost feel my family holding their breath, dreading my answer. Silky hair fell around my face, casting tender shadows on my features as I shook my head. A quick glance at my parents and I knew they were having a silent conversation. Sweat formed on my palms as I unconsciously clenched my hand into a fist. With each passing second, an unpleasant feeling returned to my stomach, making me want to throw up.

It spread even further when my father turned his attention back to me, and my heart sank as I noticed the sudden change in his expression. A completely blank canvas. The mask of a High Lord. Others probably wouldn´t see through his masquerade of deceit. But I could. I did. I had studied his features over the years, every time he put it on. How his jaw tightened just an inch, noticeable only to the trained eye. How his eyes shimmered in a more vibrant shade of violet. I´d seen him in his role so many times that I´d learned to watch out for him. The real him. Not the High Lord, but my father. He kept his face sealed, but I could see what he hid behind that mask. Fury over Eris. His worry. But the strongest emotion was his love for me. 

„I want you to stay away from him. Or even talk to him.“ Someone had just knocked all the air out of my lungs and punched me in the guts. I hadn´t been braced for what was to come. My pulse skipped a beat and the blood in my veins began to boil. He can´t do this! Voices shouted in my head and a lump formed in the back of my throat. But why? I didn´t even know Eris, even though he was my mate. I shouldn´t be so disappointed. He is practically a stranger. 

At a loss for words, I stared at my parents. „We don´t want to make decisions about your life, but Eris is a... complicated man.“ my mother interjected. You mean dangerous. 

„Wait, Eris is your mate?“ I flinched and turned around, only to spot my brother hidden in the darkness with a shit-eating grin on his face. „Finally something interesting is happening.“ he chuckled, earning him a slap on the neck from Cass. „Hey!“ he cried out as my father shot him a warning glare before continuing his lecture. „Darling, listen. We only want to protect you and make sure you don´t get hurt. And Eris is not good company. He has proven that several times in the past. So please believe us when we tell you to stay away from him. We have our reasons.“ And what are they? A knot tightened in my stomach when I heard Azriel whispering from behind: „Especially after what he did to Mor.“

But he is my mate! Even if we don´t know each other well, don´t I have the right to figure out what´s happening between us? My mind screamed at me. Say something! Anything! You know you can! I forced my thoughts to shut down. We would not have this conversation now. Fight back! But I didn´t. I understood that my parents were trying to protect me. They were angry, no doubt, but with the love in their eyes, I couldn´t argue against them. 

So I only looked up and nodded, giving them a coy smile, even though it felt wrong. So terribly wrong. 

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This moment had been stuck in my head for the past few days. Although I´d agreed not to approach Eris, somehow I still hoped he would talk to me. Maybe to explain when and how the bond had snapped for him. 

Starlight? Az is waiting for you in the training ring.

Oh, right. I looked at the sun, which was already sinking deeper into the sky. Uncle Az had asked me yesterday if I wanted to train with him. We usually met at the same time every week to train, but over the last few days he had become more careful around me, giving me more space.

I quickly stowed the book away, not wanting Nesta to get upset if something happened to her beloved book. Changing into my fighting gear, I winnowed to meet Azriel. 

„Faster!“ Azriel shouted, lunging forward, but not fast enough. I sidestepped his punch to the right, and in the brief moment his defence was down, I landed three swift blows to his ribs. He groaned in pain and tried to sweep me off my feet in one smooth motion. Just as I was about to dive again, my back hit the sandy ground, Truthteller at my throat. A sweaty Azriel lay on top of me. 

He pulled me up, brushing the sand from my clothes. „That wasn´t too bad, but you´re less focused today.“ A questioning look crossed his face for a second as he looked down at me, then it returned to his usual straight expression.

I opened my mouth slightly as if to reply, but shrugged instead and walked towards the edge of the training ground, breathing heavily. Az only threw a knowing look in my direction. He knows. He knows how I feel. 

We had been training for about two hours and I didn´t know how my muscles were still able to keep me standing, but anyway, I was grateful for them when I winnowed us back to the River House for dinner. 

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After a quick shower, I now sat opposite to my brother at the wooden table eating dinner and it was truly a symphony for the senses. Wine glasses clinking. Knives scraping against plates. The aromatic scent of grilled steak and vegetables wafting through the room as my family engaged in a huge debate about who had the biggest wingspan. All I could do was smile at the silliness of it all and feel it seep into my soul. 

My father stroked my back lazily beside me, probably to keep calm, as Nyx started throwing peas across the table at Cassian, who dodged them. It really was ridiculous. „Seriously! A little decency, please!“ Amren hissed at this `display of strength´. Mor chuckled, „They´re Illyrians. Do you really think their egos would just ignore it if someone with bigger wings came along?“ My mother nearly choked on her wine at this comment, earning an amused look from her husband. „Can we all just calm down a little before the whole dining room is decorated with pieces of food?“ A quick, stern glance around the table from the High Lord and everyone resumed eating, interrupted now and then by a few giggles.

Ten minutes had passed, and the others had just finished chatting about upcoming events in Velaris, when Amren apparently decided to break the comfortable silence. „So y/n. Has anything been happening with the Autumn Heir lately?“ The wicked smirk on her face made her look like a cat that had caught a mouse to play with. All of a sudden, the room fell silent and everyone stopped eating. I felt my father stiffen beside me, his muscles tense. „Amren.“ Azriel warned, a low growl escaping his throat. „What? Just a sincere question.“ Not impressed by his threatening face. Not in the slightest.

Of course, the incident with Eris had spread around the River House throughout the last few days, fuelling rumours, but the others hadn´t said anything to me yet. I should have guessed that it was only a matter of time until the tension would blow up.

I think I might throw up. I certainly wasn´t in the mood to talk about it with my family. Not today. My blood froze as I gathered the strength to look into Amren´s cold, steely eyes, which were fixed directly on me. She didn´t even flinch when my father shot her a terrifying glare that would send shivers down your spine. 

Words began to flow into my mind, begging to be heard and a familiar feeling crept through my entire body, making my nerves go blank. It felt like I couldn´t breathe. 

„Are you all right, dear? You look a bit pale.“ she said, making me feel even more nauseous. „Amren, don´t.“ Everyone had stopped breathing by now. „You don´t have to answer her question, darling.“ My father´s hand darted out to graze my fingers, but I pulled back at the sensation. „You are his mate y/n, aren´t you? Must be desperate to know why.“ „Enough!“ Pure darkness collected in the corners of the dining room, ready to consume everything. I´d never seen my father so pissed off. „Why would you say such a thing?“ Mor uttered. „Exactly! She´s my sister, I´m the only one allowed to make fun of her!“, Nyx joined in. „I´m in the mood for some trouble.“ she responded honestly, taking a sip from her wine glass, completely untroubled. 

Everyone began to talk over each other, making it difficult to distinguish the individual voices. Tears welled up in my eyes as I covered my ears. The noise was becoming too much to bear. I sniffled, holding back a cry as I stood up and took a few steps away from the table. My chair scraped along the floor, causing everyone to turn around to me and all the shouting stopped. The tears began to trickle down my cheeks as my mother noticed them first, „Sweetheart, we´re so sorry.“ She stood up too. „We didn't mean to make you cry.“ Mor tried to reassure me, guilt clouding her voice. Everything felt too overwhelming. Leave. Walk away. Get out of this situation. 

„Starlight, come here. It´ll be fine.“ He took a few steps in my direction, but I quickly held my hand up in front of him to keep a distance between me and my father. 

„Y/n. Darling, we´re…“ But he stopped when I shook my head and scowled at him. Stared at all of them, anger written on my face, before I winnowed to my room. Leaving them all guilty and silent. 

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With my back against the door, I sank to the floor, tears streaming down my face. It´s my life! I get to decide how I deal with Eris! Why do they keep talking about it like it isn´t my decision? Like it´s not my life? 

My nails scraped the floor, attempting to hold on to something, anything, as I spiralled down a path I didn´t want to go. A guttural sound escaped my lips as my hand clenched into a fist and slammed into the expensive wood panels beneath me. Pain shot through my knuckles, making me want to scream. Anger. Fear. Emptiness. These emotions ran through my mind as my body shook with sobs. Why can´t I just talk? I want to, but I can´t... I don´t know... the words just won´t come out when I try. It made me even angrier when I thought about it. Do I not feel safe enough around my own family to talk to them? Or is there something wrong with me? 

A knot formed in my stomach. I had never had a big problem with myself before. Not with my body, nor with my inability to speak to others. But now I wished, longed to talk to someone. Just someone who understood me. Someone who...

A certain scent wafted through the room making me pay attention. Was that smoke? I sat up straighter to observe my own bedroom. Books were scattered across the floor and the door to the neighbouring bathroom was open. My bed was made, covered in indigo silk sheets that shimmered slightly in the moonlight streaming in through the closed windows. A few plants hung from the frescoed ceiling. Nothing more.

My eyes were no longer watery and my heartbeat had stabilised. But I could still smell that there was... something. Parchment.

I looked over at my desk, which was littered with various rolls of parchment, papers and pencils of all kinds. But right in the middle. Something had changed. 

Slowly, on shaky legs, I got up and walked over to my desk. A crimson envelope lay there, and next to it a shiny golden feather with light brown spots. I couldn´t remember putting anything like that here. It smelled of an open fire, fresh rain and a hint of vanilla. 

Deep down I knew who must have sent it. I opened the letter with trembling hands.

 ・✧✵✧・✧✵✧・

Hello Princess,

Do you remember the night we met? To be honest, I can´t forget you. Standing on the balcony in your stunning gown, watching the stars fall upon you, even though they couldn´t diminish your appearance. At first I wasn´t sure how to approach you, but I did it anyway.

And it turned out to be one of the most wonderful nights I have ever had, and I wanted to thank you for it.

I could almost hear him chuckling to himself as a warmth filled my heart.

As you probably know by now, I'm your mate, but I don´t want you to feel obligated to anything that concerns me. It is your decision whether or not you wish to meet with me. ( Though I wouldn´t mind, of course) 

A blush spread across my tear-stained cheeks and I instinctively smiled. He had thought of me. He really had. My heart melted like snow in early spring. Something about him made me feel complete and understood. 

But if that´s the case, winnow to the border of Autumn in two days. I´ll be waiting for you under a birch tree when the sun sets. You can´t miss it. Sleep well, Princess! 

His letter also contained a small note. 

(Oh, the feather and the paper you write on will appear on my desk as soon as you write back).

・✧✵✧・✧✵✧・

I was speechless. Not just because he had thought of me or wanted to meet me. No. But because he would let me decide for myself. He wouldn´t force me to accept the bond, even if it hadn´t snapped for me yet. 

Not wanting to think clearly at the moment, I did the only thing that seemed right. I broke the agreement with my parents. 

I pulled out the chair, sat down, picked up the quill and wrote back. 

Half an hour later, I was lying in my bed, surrounded by fluffy pillows and a gentle night breeze caressing my form. A few candles were lit to provide some sort of night light. 

Just as I was falling asleep, footsteps came from the hallway and my bedroom door creaked as it slowly opened. I quickly closed my eyes and pretended to be asleep, not wanting to talk to whoever it was. „Darling, are you still awake?“ My father´s voice echoed through the room as he peeked out from behind the door. 

Just breathe. He won´t recognise it.

And he didn´t. He only walked over to my bed and tucked a few loose strands of hair behind my ear, while the last thing I heard was him whispering: „I´m deeply sorry, Starlight.“ before he silently walked out of my room, leaving me alone. 

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Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Not the slightest flicker of light. Total darkness consumed everything around me. No light, nor sun, nor any kind of something... soft. Something to keep me warm as the cold crept up my body, like a hidden shadow from the depths of darkness. 

I gasped for some air to reach my lungs, but all I could inhale was dust. Air! I need air! My lungs began to burn from the lack of oxygen and a tingling sensation shot through my entire being.

I felt like a flame being smothered as a deep, dark wave crashed over me, trying to drown me, as if I were nothing. As if I didn´t matter. 

The darkness drew closer with each passing second. Minute? Hour? Time didn´t matter in this place of emptiness. A place without walls or windows or even solid ground. The only things that trapped me were my own thoughts and the giant beast I couldn´t see, but felt. It swallowed everything around it as its claws raked along my skin, my soul, leaving scratches all over me.

I screamed, but all that came out of my mouth was... nothing. Every sound, no matter how small, was absorbed by the emptiness of this place. 

My body was drenched in sweat and my voice must have been hoarse by now from screaming my heart out for I don´t know how long. Slowly my body was losing consciousness and I was drifting further and further into the devouring void as I frantically tried to breathe. Please! I need to breathe! My heart stuttered for a moment. Help... help me! Somebody! Please, I... Hot tears streamed down my face and my eyes slowly closed as I was suffocated and drowned by the beast that guarded this place. My body went limp, tired from fighting. 

A gentle brush of soft fur against my back was the last thing I felt as I drifted into nothingness. 

✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦

I jolted out of my sleep, my heart racing and the sheets beneath me damp with sweat. You´re awake! Everything is fine! I placed my hand over my chest, feeling my pulse slowly steady as I realised it was all just a nightmare. The silver curtains swayed slightly at the open windows and the moon shone so brightly I had to blink my eyes. `Shh, it´s all right, Little one. I´m here´ it yearned to say. My breathing had normalised and I ran a hand through my sticky hair. It was just a dream. I lay back and tried to sleep again, but I knew it was going to be a long night. 

✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦

@tele86 @circe143 @impossibelle @st4r-girl-official @cherry-cin

[cocogum]

The Great Wave - Chapter 11 Review

‼️SPOILERS FOR THE CHAPTER‼️

And we're back!! Yay!!

It felt like a year since I've done these but I'm so happy we get to see what happened after that ANNOYING ASS cliffhanger.

And omg after reading this, I genuinely had so many more questions!!

So without further ado, LET'S DO THIS SHIT

We go back to where we've been before, aka seeing these three goobers choking up from that damn blueberry.

I'd like to point out that this is one of the rarest times where we get to see colored blood in the manga. I get that we've seen them bleed before, but the red popping up like that really made me miss it 🥰🥰

😀😀

Hotass masochist is at it again-

Anyways, Grougalorasalar brings Yugo and Adamai in their memories 💕without their consent💕 and...he actually never saw the Inglorium damn.

Daddy Grougalorasalar already has beef with these two morons so just imagine how he must be feeling from the fact that not only did they cause a lot of problems (without meaning to) in the world, but they also got to visit the gods' realm before him.

This guy might have lived far longer than these two and even he didn't see this place before them....

But what actually makes me confused here is that bro not only hates Yugo but is actually curious about what kinda shit he's gonna do next.

Like yeah he hates Yugo for doing shit he didn't mean to but at the same time he's waiting for him to do more shit cuz he's curious. Does...does Grougalorasalar like to cause trouble to people and to himself??

Omg...he's such a slut for pain i can't-

Yugo....sweetie...no 💕

A huge part of me knew he was still going to act recklessly and charge at Grougalorasalar without thinking. But on the other hand, a small part of me mindlessly hoped that he'd be more aware of the situation he was in. But at least it just goes to show that Yugo never lost his tendency to charge at the enemy ever since season 1.

Fun fact, in french, Yugo is yelling at him because he doesn't understand why Grougalorasalar would cause problems to "good people". I love how we still get to see his kid side resurfacing from time to time because that was the most stupidest thing a grown man could say.

YES!! THANK YOU!! THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT WE WANT TO KNOW!!

You have no idea how annoyed I felt when we got no answers as to why the other gods weren't present in Inglorium. I understood that it was because Tot wanted to explain their disappearances in Waven but I was still very into this mystery cuz it puts the eliatrope goddess in a bad light.

So to hear Grougalorasalar mention Inglorium's crumbled state makes me really happy to see cuz we get to at least dig on that topic.

OOOFFFFF‼️‼️‼️

NO YUGO HE'S GOT A POINT YOUR MOTHER WAS SO SUS ‼️‼️‼️

This is what I mean when I say that his mom needs to be held accountable, there's something seriously suspicious about someone who gives off weird vibes when they're supposed to be known as the goddess of LOVE AND CREATION.

I did not even think that Grougalorasalar knew about the state of the gods' realm, but it just goes to show that primordial dragons are aware of the world's situations and what goes beyond it.

But what shocked me the most in this chapter was that not only did Grougalorasalar know about the Inglorium being in shambles, BUT HE ALSO KNOWS WHO YUGO AND ADAMAI'S FATHER IS AND THAT THE GODDESS APPARENTLY INTERACTED WITH HIM BEFORE SEEING YUGO AND THE OTHERS.

There is a lot to unpack here just by reading these three panels.

First, Grougalorasalar confirmed to us that it was the Eliatrope goddess' fault that the other gods are not here. Back when someone asked her what had happened to the other gods, she simply dodged the question.

Second, Grougalorasalar claims that when the goddess got saved by Nora and Efrim, she went straight to her lover and freed him to take revenge on the other gods. This means that the goddess can, in fact, express feelings not related to pure emotions like love and compassion. She's like everyone else and does have faults of her own. This also proves us that this lover of hers is a very dangerous one. He's such a threat, in fact, that he was able to completely destroy the Inglorium and leave no traces as to where the other gods may have gone. We also got to know that her lover was angry. He may have been furious because the goddess had been imprisoned just like him. Why was he imprisoned? We don't know.

And third, Adamai doesn't know who their father is. It may seem very random that I'm mentioning him but it does make sense. Adamai had been taught and raised by Grougaloragran so he must've known who their father was. But judging by how Adamai seemed just as eager to know like Yugo, he never got to know who he is which means Grougaloragran, back in his prime, didn't know either.

But there are two people in Season 4 who must've known and those were Qilby and Nora.

The reason why Qilby knows is pretty obvious: he cannot forget a single thing from his millions of lives. So he must've known at some point who his father was.

And the reason why Nora knows is because she was assisting the goddess. Right after she saved her and had no choice but to leave Efrim behind to the necromes, she accompanied the goddess to free her father and then went with her to get the elite eliatropes.

If Qilby and Nora had still been alive, they would've explained everything to Yugo and Adamai, but we know that Tot loves to not reveal anything to these two 💀💀

Now for those who are not aware or haven't heard, Yugo and Adamai's father is not the Great Dragon apparently.

In an interview with Tot, he claimed that their father wasn't the Great Dragon and that the answer would be revealed soon.

So....take that as what you will.

Personally, it doesn't make any sense that he couldn't be the father because not only have we been told time and time again that the Great Dragon and the Goddess made the primordial eliatropes together, but we've also been told that he was also the one who created the krosmoz with her.

Now yes, he did take part in making the krosmoz it's just that Tot retconned the fact that he was the father of the primordial eliatropes.

It would've made much more sense if the Great Dragon was the father because it would explain why he had been imprisoned by the other gods for being too deadly.

But who knows, maybe Tot does have a good answer to all of this, and we've just never seen him before because he's a new character that had been hidden in the shadows all this time.

And speaking of Tot....

Remember when he said that Armand's name was supposed to be spelled with the letter 't' at the end?

Well...

THE CHAPTER LITERALLY ADDRESSES ARMAND WITH THE LETTER 'D' LIKE IT ALWAYS HAS BEEN ‼️‼️

You mean to tell me that this guy got so fed up with everyone from 'butchering' Armand's name when the seasons, the credits, the ovas, the mangas, and even the artbooks CALL HIM WITH A D.

Come on Tot just admit that you personally like to call him that cuz his name reminds you of a relative of yours. Because you make no sense when the show and the books have called him the exact opposite. Cuz if you keep doing that, we're just gonna break our heads and seriously wonder if we should trust your words over the canon source material that we've grown up with.

But anyways ✨️✨️

Not only did this chapter reveal that the goddess is sus, that we learned what happened when she got freed, that we know that Yugo and Adamai's father is not the Great Dragon, and that Tot makes his own headcanons, but we also got to see another character's name make a reveal in this chapter.

Why is Harebourg's name mentioned and why did Grougalorasalar tell them not to have messed with him. 😀😀😀

Look....

If his name being mentioned is because he's the official antagonist of Season 5, then I will die screaming from the top of a hill.

If not, then idk why Grougalorasalar chose to mention him out of all the antagonists that we got lol

But this does make sense! In a video posted by Ankama animations on YouTube, they mentioned that the antagonist for the season will be a new antagonist but someone that we already know. @geekgirles made sure to screenshot the exact moment where an employee had mentioned the antagonist of the fifth season here.

I actually really wish that Harebourg had recently been a problem for Yugo and Amalia because it would make 100% sense as to why Grougalorasalar even mentioned him in the first place.

It makes so much sense in fact THAT I MADE AN ENTIRE THEORY AS TO WHY IT'S PLAUSIBLE THAT HE'S STILL ALIVE HERE.

[shuuuuush]

I WOULD FIGHT FOR YOU ANYDAY [Kenny]

Summary: Kenny gets into a fight with someone who was talking bad about you behind your back.

Warnings: mentions of fighting and injury

A/N: I don't think I've seen many Kenny fics, so here's for Kenny lovers out there 🫶

*** ***

*** ***

They say there is nothing like coming home and collapsing onto the sofa after a long and tiring day. In your opinion, anyway, it's the second best thing, the first is collapsing and going into a long hug with your boyfriend, Kenny.

You were out all day hanging out with some friends and just came home a few minutes before 8. You had gone grocery shopping half an hour earlier as you wanted to make Kenny his favourite dessert, apple crumble. And you haven't really cooked much for him lately, so you also wanted it to be a surprise.

Usually, he comes home at 9 on normal days. Depending on other days, he has boxing training, to which you mostly stay at home by yourself. But you knew today he had to shoot a video, so he'll be back at the normal time.

Cleaning yourself up and prepping the dinner, you got started on making the dessert. You smile as you remember watching Kenny's Come Dine With Me video. You remember his reaction to you laughing at his cooking skills, you love him but it was horrendous.

"I probably made a better apple crumble than you." He said, pouting at your laughing figure.

You grin, shaking your head. "Oh, I definitely make a better apple crumble." You said, still recovering from laughter.

After half an hour, the dessert was prepared, you left it on the counter to cool. All that was left was the waiting game.

5 minutes, Sitting on the couch, you decided to turn on the TV, just to wait out the time.

25 minutes, looking at the clock, you sighed. Maybe they just had a long day to record.

40 minutes, scrolling through your phone, debating whether or not to call him. You didn't want to disturb him either as it might interfere with their video. You ended up not calling him.

1 hour later. At this point, you concluded that Kenny was either not coming home or is going to come home very, very late. And the food was already cold, so you wrapped it up and put it in the fridge.

You sighed, looking at the clock once more, 10:21 pm. You decided to head to bed instead, halfway up the stairs you're thinking, maybe you should've called him. Pulling out your phone, you suddenly hear the jingling of keys unlocking the front door.

Running back down the stairs, heading towards the front door, you're about to question the man you love.

"Ken, you better have an amazing explanation fo-" You cut yourself off suddenly when you saw him. He had bruises on his face and a cut on his lip, clutching his left arm as he locked the door and drops his keys on the table.

"Hey love, sorry I was late..." His voice was lower than a whisper as he glanced briefly at your shocked figure than away.

A sudden hurt hit your heart after seeing his face. Your eyes widened, and you stood in shock for a split second before you quickly came over to help him. Bringing him over to the sofa and setting him down, careful not to hurt him.

You quickly went to the bathroom and grabbed the first aid kit, and you wet a small face towel. Rushing back to Kenny, you sat down and carefully started cleaning up his face.

"Baby, what happened? How are you feeling? Are you okay? Does this hurt when I touch it? When did this happen?" Bombaring him with all the questions, he took your hands and looked into your eyes.

"Love, one question at a time, please."

"Okay," you started, taking a deep breath, "What happened?"

"How about you clean me up first actually, then I'll answer that one. My face hurts like hell." He chuckled, shaking his head and looking back at you, rolling your eyes in response with a small smile.

You took the cold cloth and cleaned up the blood scar on his lip, then moving onto the bruises, slightly pressing onto it and asking if it hurt or not, to which he flinched, obviously indicating to you, it did.

Asking if there was any pain elsewhere, you remembered him clutching his arm earlier. You asked if he could remove his jumper so you could check his arm, to which he calmly complied.

There was a huge bruise along his left arm, and you got an ice pack from the freezer and put it around his arm, wrapping it around with a bandage gauze to keep it in place. Finally, your boyfriend was all patched up.

"Okay, Kenny, you have BIG explaining to do." You waited, watching with set eyes, hoping to know why the hell he came back to you injured.

"How about we head to bed? I'm pretty tired. Long day shooting the videos, you know?" He half smiled and started to get up.

"KENNY!" You weren't having any of that. You pulled him back and sat him back down, careful not to hurt him even though you were getting annoyed. "I'm not playing around. Tell me what happened. Now."

His head hung low, and he nodded and began telling you what happened.

***

"Nah, nah, Niko, you're violating him." AJ doubled over with laughter, trying to recover his breath as they all were watching and listening in the van. Shooting another fake employee video and Niko was currently violating someone about their "bad breath."

"Ask him what he wants to order, then tell him to shush." Chunkz suggested giggling with the rest of the boys.

Over the phone, their conversation could be heard, "Oh yeah, what do you want to order?" "Yeah I'd like a-" "JUST SHUSH MAN."

All of the boys suddenly burst out of laughter at the tall man's actions. Time was up, and Niko returned to the van. It was Kennys turn to be a fake employee.

Walking up to the customers, the boys told him what to say to the person ordering. He did all they told him to say until this one customer tried to mess up the whole thing for Kenny.

He knew who Kenny was, and he ratted him out to the manager, the little snitch. Causing Kenny to get kicked out, and while doing so, the customer started cursing out Kenny, saying his boxing was trash and Kenny just ignored it and laughed off his insults, until the man mentioned you.

He started saying "Oh and that pathetic girlfriend of yours, she's not even pretty and that goes well with her ugly personality. Matches why she chose such an idiot person like you."

Kenny stopped dead in his tracks and turned around. Anyone who was around him could tell that he was mad, and the anger fueled swirling inside his dark eyes.

And where there's a boxer, there's a punch.

One punch led to another, and then there was a fight, the boxer and the man throwing punches at each other, causing the beta squad boys to run out, trying to stop Kenny.

"Yo Kenny, chill out, don't kill the guy!" Sharky said, holding Kenny back. Chunkz got in the middle of the two of them and told the man to back off, AJ screamed at the man to never come back, making him run away from the lot of boys.

"Calm, Ken, Calm." Niko tried soothing Kenny down after he was clearly outraged, placing one hand on his friends shoulder.

"No! This donny thinks he can talk bad about Y/N?? She's amazing, and the love of my life shall I remind you lot. I'm not letting that slide. That guy is proper mad if he thinks he can talk like that."

Kenny was fuming, still trying to break free from Niko and Sharkys grasp, but after some talk and calm words from the boys. He managed to let down his anger.

"Look, Kenny, I know you're mad and all, but you wouldn't want to return back to Y/N in pieces? If we didn't stop you, that idiot or you would've been in the hospital, bro." AJ stated, and for once, he actually tried to calm the boxer instead of trying to annoy him.

"AJ's right, bruva. Calm yeah, don't worry, we'll delete the footage. We can take you back to your house after." Chunkz said, putting a hand out on Kennys shoulder, reassuring him.

Throughout the ride back to his house, Kenny was wondering if you would have thought less of him if he didn't finish off the guy. Let him run away? Allow him to even speak about you like that in the first place? Or if you hated that he was too aggressive at times, and would it scare you off? All these questions floated in his head, worrying him even more to the second closer to his house.

When he arrived, he checked the time on his phone, 10:19 pm. He thanked the boys and exited the car, fumbling for his keys and in his mind trying to find out how to approach you.

***

"And that's basically it." He admitted, a straight face, but you could see in his eyes, worry and confusion to your reaction.

You were still processing what he said, and then finally set on his eyes. You could honestly feel tears start to develop in your eyes, as you stare at this beautiful man, all that he did for you? And he thought that you would be mad at him for defending you?

Honestly, sometimes you think this man lets his hits to the face, hit his brain a little too hard.

You placed both of your hands around his face and made him look up at you, as he was looking down earlier. His gaze softened, and he could read it in your eyes that all those thoughts that he was afraid of weren't true and probably weren't ever going to be true.

"Kenny," you started still having your hands on his face, "You do realise that I would never be mad at you for protecting those you love? In fact, I'm really happy that you would do such a thing for me." Your lips curled into a soft smile when you saw in his eyes the relief he felt after hearing your words.

"I would fight for you any day, love." Kenny smiled back at you and leaned in to kiss you. A soft kiss but reassuring you and mostly himself that he would always love you and fight to protect you. And he would always be by your side.

Pulling away, you laid your head on his chest, wrapping an arm around his torso, and he wrapped his around your waist. "Still, I don't like that you got hurt. But it did mean I got to take care of you for what you did." You laughed, causing Kenny to chuckle too.

"Also, I smelt something when I walked in here earlier?" He questioned, and you got up off of his chest and smiled widely.

"Apple crumble, baby." You winked and laughed as Kenny got up real quick to sit at the dining table waiting to try the apple crumble.

Right now, you wouldn't care about any other problem in the world. Everything that mattered to you was here right now, in front of you. And to give him what he deserved after what he did for you, it only seems fair for a king.

Taglist: @b4tasquad

[torscrawls]

A Ghost by Any Other Name ch.4

You can read it on AO3!

If you prefer tumblr: Chapter 1 can be found here. Chapter 2 can be found here. Chapter 3 can be found here.

--

Danny couldn't stop thinking about Tim's questions about where he was from.

A big part of him hadn't wanted to tell the truth, but a bigger part hadn't wanted to lie.

When they—he, Sam, and Tucker—had crafted his new identity they had decided to keep Danny's hometown as Amity Park because it was easier not to slip up if he had fewer lies to keep track of. And Danny already had more than enough of those.

They had banked on Amity being a small enough town that no one would recognize it, and more importantly; not recognize him.

But of course people would ask about his past, it was a normal thing to do between friends. Right? There was no reason to panic. 

Danny just had to become better at quelling the panic and remember the lies so that no one got suspicious and figured him out.

Sadly—or thankfully?—he didn't have time to dwell on the fact that his one and only new friendship was one wrong question away from crumbling, not now when ghosts had started appearing in Gotham.

So far he had been able to avoid getting dragged back into the fighting by threatening most of the ghosts that had shown up to leave him, and the city, alone. Several years of fighting had, if nothing else, made sure that most ghosts at least listened to him.

Which was good since Gotham’s own vigilantes arrived quickly at almost every scene and Danny didn’t want to risk using his ghostly abilities too much and reveal himself, or—even worse—bring his parents here.

That wasn't to say that he was ready to fight if he had to, because he absolutely wasn't. He wasn't even sure he could fight right now with how his body felt.

At first he had chalked it up to a side effect of his massive growth spurt, especially since he very much doubted that it was of a normal, human origin. What with the late and sudden onset, the unnatural speed with which he had shot up and filled out, and considering his increasingly otherworldly appearance it probably had a ghostly origin.

But he doubted that it was the root-cause of his sickness since he had stopped growing, but was only feeling worse.

Maybe his sickness was a side effect of getting his arm removed under such traumatic circumstances. Maybe it was some sort of infection. 

He had almost gotten used to the alarming looks his sudden dizziness earned him and his staggering runs to the bathroom to throw up—what felt like—all his insides. His constant joint pain that wasn't helped by his cobbled together prosthetic arm. His headaches and his too-green nosebleeds.

Because of the whole on the run and living on the streets thing he had been trying out for the last few months, he hadn't exactly had the funds nor opportunity to go to a doctor and have the arm checked out and his own experiences and conversations over the phone with Sam, Tucker, and Jazz only got him so far. 

Now, he did have a job and an apartment but he really didn’t want to risk having to answer any hard questions on just how he managed to lose an entire arm and why he had then proceeded to quite obviously cauterize and stitch it up himself.

Of course, Danny knew one other person with a prosthetic arm and Frostbite had never withheld information from him, but he hadn't had a chance to meet up with the yeti again now that he had first-hand experience.

Whatever caused it, the fact of the matter was that Danny felt like shit and that he was happy he hadn't had to fight anyone lately. But with the number of ghost sightings rising every week, his luck might not last. He didn’t know why ghosts had started to appear in Gotham, but he wasn’t naïve enough to think he didn’t have anything to do with it. And if ghosts had started showing up in town because of him , then it was his responsibility to deal with them. 

History loves repeating itself.

Danny was currently busy coughing up a lung and trying not to let any of the ectoplasm that dribbled out of his mouth stain his clothes, all the while debating whether it was worth the trouble to stagger the rest of the way to the convenience store for his dinner, when he felt the all-too-familiar sensation of cold clawing its way up his throat and escaping through his gritted teeth.

Great.

And that was all he had time to think before he was body-slammed to the ground.

Danny tried to twist in the air, to get out from underneath whoever had attacked him, but large hands grabbed his shoulders and slammed him into the pavement. His face pressed against the rough ground and Danny instinctively raised a hand, ectoplasm building beneath his skin and ready to burst forth, before stopping himself and remembering his human disguise, that he couldn’t fight enemies openly anymore. Not as Dante Armstrong, regular dude, and definitely not as Phantom, his parents no.1 target.

Danny twisted enough under the weight pinning him down to glimpse Skulker grinning down at him with a victorious smile. He wasn’t surprised.

“What are you doing here, Skulker?” Danny gritted out.

“If you thought you could escape me by coming here, then you're dead wrong. I'll hunt you down wherever you go, little whelp.” Skulker grinned down at him with fire in his eyes as his hands tightened on Danny's shoulders until the grip went from uncomfortable to painful.

Ancients, Danny itched to blast the bastard right off him and into the nearest building. He had enough to deal with as it was without someone trying to skin him alive but there were people around, staring at them and screaming. Of course there was. He couldn't very well yell “ going ghost!” and expect no one to see him.

Despite what Jazz always said, he had learnt some things over the years.

But that didn’t mean that he would just lie here helplessly. He tried to buck the other ghost off with just a touch of super-strength, hoping no one saw anything out of the ordinary. If so; Danny would just have to find a new town to live in. It was okay. Really. The thought didn’t make him want to cry or anything.

Skulker growled and Danny decided to try the same approach he had used in most ghost attacks in Gotham. Talking to them. Jazz would be so proud. Even if the talking in question was more akin to threatening .

Danny made sure his fangs were on full display as he growled, “If you don't get off me right now I'll tear open that flimsy tin-can you call a body and drag you screaming out of your own mouth.”

Skulker paused. They had fought enough times for him to know that they weren't just empty words. Most ghosts just needed a little reminder.

Maybe not a preferred way of conflict resolution from a human standpoint, but far from mindless. Just another thing his parents had been wrong about.

Danny consciously flashed his eyes and Skulker immediately jumped back. As he staggered to his feet, Danny gasped as he tried to force the ectoplasm back down.

That short release of energy almost startled Danny from how good it felt. Like releasing some of the pressure on an over-pressurized pot. He had to wrestle back control not to let out any more than he already had, but he couldn’t risk doing that in the middle of the street.

But Ancients, he wanted to. For the first time in months, his headache lifted slightly.

He breathed deep to get himself back under control and lifted his prosthetic arm, as if aiming it at Skulker. “You're not the only one with inbuilt weapons anymore. You want to see what the weapon that took my arm would do to a full ghost?”

It was an empty threat, of course. Danny would never again go anywhere near that weapon if he could help it, much less carry it around, and he had absolutely no idea if it would be more or less dangerous to a full ghost. But Skulker didn’t know that.

“This isn’t over, whelp,” Skulker threatened as he floated backwards, eyes blazing. “I’ll get you eventually!”

“You’ve said that for years, and I’m still here, aren’t I?”

“You won’t see me coming.”

“I’m shaking in my boots,” Danny deadpanned. Then he gestured with his arm, hoping that Skulker wouldn't see the way it was, in fact, shaking. “Now run along.”

Skulker swore and growled and grumbled, but he did turn invisible and fly away.

Danny felt his shoulders relax as his presence disappeared and he unsteadily lowered his arm back down, wincing at the pain radiating through his shoulder and back. He had been lucky; he didn’t know if he would have been able to actually win a fight with Skulker right then because of how bad he felt. Finally, he could go— 

And then Batman stood in front of him, as sudden and silent as any ghost.

Danny blinked in surprise as his brain automatically assessed the danger of the man in front of him; his multiple weapons tucked into his belt, his broad frame and muscular limbs, his sharp gaze fixed on Danny. Really, he was a lot more intimidating up close than he had been from the other side of the street, which was as close as Danny had gotten during the other ghost attacks.

Then he realized that he really should be trying to convince Batman that he was just an innocent civilian and definitely not involved with ghosts in any way, no sire.

Danny made his best impression of being scared and grateful for rescue, drawing from years of experience of being on the receiving end of it. “Oh, Batman! Thank you for saving me! I was so scared!”

Batman stared at where Skulker had been just a moment before for a few tense seconds before turning the full force of his attention towards Danny. And Danny froze, rooted to the ground, more scared now than he had been facing off against Skulker.

Batman kept his eyes on Danny, silent, but then Red Robin suddenly appeared at his side. Maybe being silent as ghosts were a prerequisite for being a vigilante.

Red Robin had a kinder look on his face than his colleague as he asked, “Are you hurt?”

“I—I don't think so. I don’t—” Danny didn’t have to fake the trembling of his limbs. “I don’t know what happened. Suddenly he just—”

“It’s okay, you’re safe now,” Red Robin said with practiced patience. “What’s your name?”

“It—It's Dante.”

“Alright, Danny, can you tell us what happened?” Red Robin asked and Danny fought hard not to flinch at the use of his nickname. That made two people who had immediately defaulted to Danny –Red Robin and Tim. He was going to kill Tucker.

Batman, apparently fed up with the niceties, glanced down at Danny's arm and asked, “What did you do to make the ghost leave?”

And wow, Danny was tempted to offer him a cough drop, speaking in such a growly voice couldn’t be good for you. He just shook his head, forcing his eyes to water—thank you Maddie and Jack for teaching him that skill, who knew that having to hide everything from his parents would make him really good at acting scared—as he stammered out a pathetic, “I—I don't know. I just tried to keep him away and—and I don't know.”

He really hoped that him threatening Skulker with his arm could be interpreted as him raising his hand to defend himself at a distance. 

“What did it say?” Batman pressed, no hint of sympathy in his voice.

Danny shook his head. “Nothing that made any sense.”

Batman looked at him in what Danny thought was disapproving silence before Red Robin jumped in again, attempting to smooth everything over. “Go easy on him. He looks scared out of his mind,” Red Robin said with clear sympathy in his voice.

And Danny was. Just not of the ghosts like they assumed. He was scared of them . Ghosts, he was used to, but the two people in front of him were the ones that could drive him out of his new home.

But Danny nodded intensely and put on his most terrified voice as he said, “I thought I was a goner! The ghost could have really hurt me!”

“So you do know about—” Red Robin started before cutting himself off.

“How do you know it was a ghost?” Batman asked as he sent Red Robin a glare and he stepped back, letting Batman take over.

Fuck, fuckity-fuck. He had wanted to stay as far away from Batman's radar as possible, not suddenly be the sole focus of his attention.

What if they found him out? What if they too decided that all ghosts were evil?…What if they also decided that they wanted to try and cure him?

“I—I don’t—” Danny stammered out, desperately trying to come up with a good excuse. He was a ghost fanatic? Too close to home. He had been hunted by the ghost in question for years because it wanted to skin him? No one would believe it. He was a half-dead hero fighting ghosts since his early teens? Great response if he wanted to be thrown into Arkham. Instead he landed on a very meek, “I watch the news?”

Batman didn’t even hesitate before firing off the next question, “I’ve seen you before. At these ghost-attacks. What were you doing there?”

Danny tensed up. Of course Batman had noticed him and put two-and-two together. He was the world’s greatest detective.

Then Batman continued, voice just as gruff as before, “Why haven’t you told anyone if they’re attacking you?”

Or not.

He thought that the ghosts were there to attack Danny? It wasn’t completely wrong, even if Danny generally was the one attacking them to stop them from attacking others. Still, it was… nice that people didn’t automatically assume that he was the bad guy. Danny cleared his throat and looked away. “I didn’t want to cause any trouble.”

“That didn’t really work out, did it?”

Red Robin had apparently had enough of being sidelined, which was kind of funny for a sidekick, and stepped back into the conversation, “It’s not his fault he was attacked. Stop grilling him.”

Danny wanted to agree, but apparently his throat had other ideas as it chose that moment to seize up and cause him to double over again, coughing until he winced in pain.

Red Robin placed a careful hand on his shoulder. “Are you okay?”

Batman’s gruff voice spoke up, “So you were hurt.”

“Yes,” Danny managed after a few deep breaths, ignoring how raspy his voice sounded. “Or, no. But it wasn't because of this.”

“Do you need to sit down?” Red Robin asked and if the concern in his voice was fake, he was even better than Danny.

Danny shook his head. “No, no, I need to go. I have a meeting with a friend and I’m already late.”

Red Robin withdrew his hand, sounding suddenly hesitant, almost guilty, as he said, “I’m sure they'd understand.”

Batman inserted himself into the conversation again with a, “We might need to get in contact with you to ask some further questions. What is your number?”

Red Robin rolled his eyes, and the fact that Danny could tell even behind the mask was a testament of just how often he must do it. “What he means is; Can you give us a number we can reach you at?”

Danny raised an eyebrow. “Do I get any in return?”

“No,” Batman immediately answered. Red Robin had no translation for that, just an apologetic shrug.

Danny let out a barking laugh. “At least you're honest.” So he rattled off his number and then scampered off, refusing to look over his shoulder but feeling eyes on his back the whole time until he turned a corner. 

He let himself slump against a wall, shaking legs barely holding him upright. Somehow he had survived. Still, he had thought he had gotten away from everything that had to do with ghosts. But now everyone here was asking him about them; Tim and Batman both.

He couldn’t afford any more slip-ups.

--

Danny dragged himself into work the next day, late and tired after his unplanned run-in with Skulker and subsequent meeting with Batman and Red Robin. To top off the whole evening Tim hadn’t even showed for their planned game-night, which might have been just as well since Danny had barely managed to get home before collapsing in bed.

After the short reprieve he felt after his confrontation with Skulker, stuffing all his ectoplasm back down felt even harder than before. It was as if that short, sweet, taste of freedom had made his body rebel even worse. The headache had come back with a vengeance and he held a handkerchief to his nose to stop the constant dripping, which alarmingly had started to turn more and more green. His joints hurt worse than right after the accident and if he wasn’t deathly afraid of losing his hard-earned job he would have stayed home and wallowed in his misery.

As it was, the walk to work hadn’t been easy with his whole body hurting even more than it usually did nowadays, even though he had left his prosthesis at home for the day.

When he finally stumbled through the door he was sweating, trembling, and wishing he had just caved and called in sick.

His misery and wallowing was interrupted when Tim poked his head into the room. “Hey, Danny, do you have time to take a look at something?”

Danny straightened up and plastered a smile on his face, hiding the paper he had been using to try and stem the blood dripping from his nose. “Yeah, sure. What’s up?”

“I have a project that I need another pair of eyes on.” 

Danny sent his boss, an older woman named Hannah, a questioning look, but she simply stared at Tim with wide eyes and then gave Danny a nod. 

For some reason, his boss never seemed to mind when Danny went to help Tim with something. She never argued and she would just agree with wide eyes and an expression that almost looked awed as she immediately agreed. It was as if she thought Danny was unbelievably kind to help Tim out. As if she was impressed that Danny could stand Tim.

If his boss wasn't otherwise so nice, Danny would call her out on it.

“So what is this project you wanted help with?”

Tim seemed to be distracted by his phone as they walked through the corridors, but at that he looked up and smiled. “Oh, it’s nothing. You just looked like you needed a break. What’s up?”

Danny grimaced at the fact that he was apparently so easy to read. “I had a run-in with Batman.”

Tim placed his phone in his pocket. ��Was it the ghost attack?” 

“How did you know?” Danny asked in surprise.

Tim’s gaze flickered to the side and back. “It’s on the news.”

“Yeah…” Danny let out a long sigh. Of course it was on the news, but since Tim hadn’t seemed to know that he’d been involved he took some solace in the fact that he probably hadn’t been mentioned. “I got stuck in the middle of it last night.”

“Are you okay? Did you get hurt?”

Danny waved him off. “No, no, I’m fine. It’s not the first time I’ve been in a ghost atta—” Danny cut himself off. He was too tired to monitor everything he said. He cursed himself.

Tim perked up. “So you do know about ghosts?”

Which was the second time in as many days he had gotten that question. Was he really so bad at keeping secrets? “Why are you so interested in them?” Danny countered.

Why would Tim, his new friend in another town, suddenly ask about ghosts? Danny just wanted to forget his old life, god damn it!

It was Tim’s turn to look a bit hesitant. “Well. There’s been a lot of attacks in the city lately by villains that seem… Strange. So I thought that maybe they’re ghosts?”

Danny really had no idea if that was a normal conclusion to jump to or not. He was the first to admit that his perception was a bit skewed. “Maybe,” Danny allowed.

“So you do believe in ghosts?”

Danny was so tired and he really didn’t feel like denying his own existence today. “Yeah.”

“But… you said your hometown wasn’t haunted?”

Danny cursed himself. Again. When would he actually learn? “Well. It’s not? It’s more accurate to say it’s under attack.”

Tim blinked. “Right.” He stopped walking. “So you know a lot about them? The ghosts?”

“Everyone from Amity knows about ghosts to some degree,” Danny said with a strained smile and as always; careful not to show his teeth.

Tim raised an eyebrow. “And what degree are you?”

Danny shrunk in on himself, uncomfortable. “I mean… That depends… I don't really—” 

Tim leaned back, hands up and with a slightly guilty expression on his face. “Oh, no, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pressure you. It's just—” he exhaled forcibly and, after what seemed like a short internal debate, said, “We might be having some issues that we think miiiight be related to ghosts.”

That got Danny’s attention. A ghost he hadn’t noticed? That was an issue.

That didn't mean that he wanted to get involved with whatever this was but the least he could do was to listen to what Tim had to say. As a friend he owed him that, at least. 

Tim combed a hand through his hair with a strained laugh. “You're not laughing at me. That’s a start.” 

Danny raised an eyebrow. “I'm from Amity Park. I’m used to worse.” At Tim's nonplussed expression he clarified, “We have our fair share of whack-jobs.”

“Are you calling me a whack-job?” Tim asked with a smile tugging at his lips.

“Yes,” Danny deadpanned and smiled as Tim snorted, breaking some of the tension.

Tim took a deep breath and then hesitantly said, “I’m not really supposed to be talking about it, but honestly we’re at a bit of a dead-end. Do you think you’re up for bouncing some ideas?”

Now it was Danny’s turn to hesitate.

He didn’t want to get involved in any more ghostly problems. He had tried to get away. He had gotten away.

But it had really never mattered what he wanted, had it? The problems were already here, and if he had learnt something over the years since everything went to literal hell it was that ignoring your problems didn’t tend to solve them, it just made them haunt you.

No matter how much he wished otherwise.

Not that this came as a huge surprise, he had been waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Suck on that Jazz! He hadn’t been paranoid!

So Danny sighed, and prepared himself to have everything he’d worked for come crashing down. Again. “Yeah, sure.”

Tim brightened up. “Really? You’re sure?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Danny waved him off. “I have to help if I can, right? So, what’s up?”

“Well, we have this… Computer. It's not very important.” 

Which meant that it was very important.

Tim continued, “And it’s getting attacked by… something.”

“Right. And why would just think ghosts and not, I don’t know, a normal virus?”

“Well. It learns and adapts quicker than any virus I’ve ever seen.” Tim fumbled his phone back out of his pocket. “Just. Here. Look at these logs.”

Danny looked down at the readings clearly displaying ectoplasmic activity and cursed his whole existence. The only silver lining being that it was restrained to a closed system which meant that his parents shouldn’t be able to pick up on it. But this meant that they were dealing with a big and important computer acting up with ghostly readings. Yeah, there was someone he knew that fit that M.O. Just to make sure, he asked, “This is from the attacks?”

“Yes,” Tim confirmed.

Danny heaved a  sigh. First Skulker and now Technus? Well. In for a penny… “I might know who it could be, but I need to see it to make sure.”

Underneath his absolutely overwhelming desire to do anything besides “making sure”, Danny found that he was impressed that they had been able to keep up with Technus until now. That was no easy task.

“Wait. Really?” Tim looked genuinely surprised.

Danny raised an eyebrow. “You asked me for help, didn't you?” 

“Yeah, but I didn’t think you would actually be able to help.”

Danny snorted. “Glad to disappoint.”

Tim laughed. “I'm glad you're disappointing!” 

Danny joined in, feeling a bit better about the whole disaster as he said, “Lead the way!” 

--

And that's how Danny found himself in an otherwise empty room occupied by a big computer which looked more high tech than anything he had seen before. Well, it looked to be composed of several different parts, but no less advanced for it. It reminded him of his parents’ and his own inventions; the best parts cobbled together to make something that was far beyond anything available on the market.

If Tim was the one who built it, then Danny suddenly felt a lot more comfortable with him poking around in his arm. The only question was; for what purpose was it built?

Danny didn't have very good experiences with rich people who liked to mess with science and computers.

He wondered if this computer also contained a creepy program modeled after some poor unsuspecting victim. Or data to make clones of a nearby child. Maybe even data about all the heroes in the world and plans how to take them down, or something equally ridiculous.

Tim looked from the computer, to Danny, and back, before saying, “Just try to focus on the ghost problem, alright?”

That only made him more interested, more curious. “Sure.”

But even that promise didn’t stop him from sneaking a few glances at the computer as he worked, but sadly he was unable to really get any useful information from it. Whoever owned it took security very seriously. After a short while, Danny leaned back and declared, “Yeah, it’s definitely Technus.”

“Technus?”

Danny just raised his voice as he said, “Yeah, Technus is a ghost who just sucks at everything that’s related to technology!” Danny made sure to pitch his voice even louder as he ignored Tim’s raised eyebrows, “He’s just the worst and everyone back home laughs at him! He can’t even figure out a light bulb!”

Tim frowned in confusion, but before he could do more than open his mouth, Technus—predictably—burst from the computer in a shower of sparks.

Tim staggered backwards. “Holy—”

“Yo, Nick,” Danny said with his hand raised in greeting. “So this is where you’ve been hiding out?”

“Ghost-boy,” Technus growled out, his body still halfway morphed into the computer. 

“I hope I’m not seeing you trying to possess this computer.” Danny tried to cross his arms, realized he only had one at the moment and settled for crossing it over his torso. “Do you want me to call Tucker?”

Technus froze. “No. I’ll just— I’ll just leave.”

Danny nodded. “Yeah, I think that’s for the best.” Then he added, “You know, my parents probably have some new tech for you to infect.”

Technus perked up, moving as if to leave, but then he hesitated and turned back to Danny. “I don’t want to owe you anything, so I’m going to give you some advice. All that ectoplasm leaking out is going to draw more of us in. You can’t contain a system failure, you know? You have to shut down the whole process or it’s going to cascade and destroy everything.”

With that ominous statement, Technus fizzled out like bad static and it wasn’t until Technus had left that Danny realized what he had just revealed to Tim about his own parents.

He relaxed minutely when Tim didn’t bring it up but instead didn’t waste any time before asking, “How did you do that?”

Danny shrugged.  “We have a sort of understanding.”

Tim raised an eyebrow. “Do you want to elaborate on that?”

“Not really.”

Danny could tell that Tim wanted to question him, but he must have looked as uncomfortable as he felt—and Tim must have realized that he wouldn’t say anything more—because Tim just pursed his lips and asked, “And what did you mean about your parents?”

Aaaand there it was.

“They’re inventors,” Danny hedged as he tried to play it off.

“That’s cool! What do they specialize in?” 

Danny waved him off. “Different things. Nothing you would recognize.”

Tim looked like he wanted to ask more, but then he stopped, tilted his head, and asked, “What did he mean about system failure?”

Danny was infinitely grateful for Tim’s curiosity at the moment. “Who knows?” Danny shrugged. “Ghosts are weird.”

Tim pouted. “Do you have tips for how we can make sure this doesn’t happen again?”

“Nick won’t be coming back.”

“But other ghosts might?”

“I mean… Yeah.” At least Danny hadn’t been able to get them to stay away permanently. Yet.

“Can I count on you to help with them if they do?”

Danny hesitated. He didn’t want to say no and disappoint his new friend, but he also didn’t want to promise to help with things he didn’t want to get involved with and he definitely didn’t want to get more involved with ghosts than he had to. He had worked hard to stay under the radar of both his parents and the Bats in Gotham, and this would definitely not do that. He had enough experience to know that accepting this would be a slippery slope right down into getting found out and subsequently, into trouble.

“I’ll think about it.”

Tim looked like he wanted to argue, to push, but then he swallowed it down, muttered what sounded like “not a mystery” and nodded. “Thanks. And thanks for getting the ghost out of the computer.”

“Don’t mention it,” Danny said, and hoped that Tim picked up on how literally he meant it.